Worksop addict 'had no option but to steal'

A Worksop woman addicted to drugs and drink 'had no option but to steal' to feed her habits, a court has heard.
Mansfield Magistrates Court.Mansfield Magistrates Court.
Mansfield Magistrates Court.

Shirelle Draycott was spotted by a police officer coming out of Poundland, on Bridge Street, with two large packets of washing powder worth £20, on January 15.

“In police interview she said she was a drug user and she had no option but to steal,” said prosecutor Neil Hollett.

“She admitted commiting another offence at the same store three days earlier.”

Probation officer Cheryl Nisbet said this was Draycott’s first time in court for two years, and before that there had been a five year gap in her offending.

“I would say it is surprising she has been in court so infrequently,” she said.

“She is injecting a large amount of heroin on a daily basis and also takes crack cocaine and mamba. She is recently assessed as being alcohol dependent.

“Her health is in a very poor condition and everybody involved with her is very concerned about where this will leave her if she doesn’t tackle her issues.

“She disengaged with drug and alcohol services last year.”

Mrs Nisbet added that Draycott was now on a methadone prescription.

“A drug rehabilitation requirement is definitely what’s needed,” she added.

“She says her drug abuse came about after her mother died and she was evicted from the family home.”

Draycott, 24, care of Denbigh Avenue, Worksop, admitted the theft when she appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on Friday.

She was given a 12 month community order with a six mnth drug rehabilitation requirement and ten days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

She must pay an £85 government surcharge, but no costs were awarded.

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