Stewartstown woman admits stealing items from shops in Lisburn's Bow Street Mall
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Melissa Stokes, 31, whose address was given as North Street Park in Stewartstown, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with three counts of theft, as well as possession of a Class B drug, namely cannabis.
The court heard that on December 6, 2023, police received a report from security at the Bow Street Mall that a female was involved in theft from JD Sports.
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Hide AdPolice observed CCTV which showed a female putting a cream coloured jumper, valued at £40, into a bag and leave without paying.
CCTV in the city centre was viewed and the woman was tracked down. A bag was recovered and was said to contain items which appeared to belong to Claire’s Accessories in the Bow Street Mall.
The defendant was also charged with the theft of a Nike top from Sports Direct valued at £46.99.
When speaking to the defendant, the police noted the smell of cannabis. She admitted having cannabis on her and handed it over to the police.
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Hide AdDefence asked the court to give the defendant credit for an early plea to the charges.
He continued: “She has a fairly limited record. The offending is in a short space of time.”
District Judge Rosie Watters told the defendant she would defer sentencing for six months until October 24.
Ms Watters told the defendant: “You are so close to going to prison today and ultimately you possibly will go to prison if you continue like this.”