Woman stole £170 of steak from Bishop Auckland M&S

Stacey Aldworth picked up the seven packets of steak before putting them in her bag and leaving the shop without paying.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard how the 36-year-old was effectively homeless at the time of the offence.

Liz McGowan, prosecuting, said Aldworth had 35 convictions for 77 offences on her criminal record before she stole the steaks from the M&S shop at Tindale Crescent, near Bishop Auckland.

Aldsworth, now of Albert Street, Chilton, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft from a shop on February 26 this year.

A report from the probation service showed the defendant had been making progress with addressing her drug addiction and confirmed she was engaging with services.

M&S Food Hall at Tindale Crescent, near Bishop Auckland (Image: Google)

Ben Pegman, mitigating, said: “This offence was committed when she was without accommodation.

“She thinks she is doing well at the moment and has told me about her negative drug tests.

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

• Drugs worth £3m found in lock-up container near Darlington after kidnap plot foiled

• Organised North East crime ring dismantled as last member jailed after complex case

• Drug addict turned to dealing to fund her crack cocaine habit

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Click here

“The support she is getting is on going as her problems are deep-seated and longstanding for her.”

District Judge Helen Cousins said: “Well done, in the efforts you have been making recently but you are going to have to continue doing that.

“You must continue to do your probation and not commit any further offences.”

The Chilton woman was made subject of a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days attached and ordered her to repay the £170 cost of the steak in compensation to M&S.