Superdrug thief had "lengthy record" magistrates hear

Jennifer Pooler, who has a "lengthy record of offending", told Worcester Magistrates Court she was trying to turn her life around after issues with binge drinking. 

The 48-year-old, of St Paul's Hostel, Tallow Hill, Worcester, admitted theft from a shop when she appeared at the court on Monday, (December 12). 

Sarah Hurd, prosecuting, said Pooler entered the store in Worcester High Street on October 3 this year. 

THEFT: Jennifer Pooler stole from Superdrug, Worcester High Street (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Miss Hurd said Pooler had selected 10 Nivea gift sets, valued at £100, before running out the shop. 

The prosecutor said staff reviewed the CCTV footage and after it was handed to police, an officer identified Pooler. 

"In interview she fully admits the offences," Ms Hurd said.

"She says she sold the items to pay for alcohol.

"It is low-level shop theft."

Ms Hurd said Pooler had a lenghtly record of previous offences - her last conviction being in 2020 when she was jailed for being in the supply of heroin. 

'It was a stupid thing to do' thief Jennifer Pooler tells magistrates

She added Pooler's last offence of theft dated back to 2017, when she was given a conditional discharge.

Pooler, who represented herself, was then asked by the court clerk if there was anything she wanted to say. 

"Sorry again," Pooler replied. 

"It is my own fault, such a stupid thing to do."

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Pooler told magistrates she was getting support from the hostel she was living at, and also recovery service Cranstoun who had been helping her with her binge drinking alcohol issues. 

She added that people had passed away in her life, but said: "I don't want to make excuses for what I did".

THIEF: Jennifer Pooler appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

Susan Mitchell, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: "There are previous offences, but nothing as much as we often see. 

"There are lot of good things going on in your life."

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Magistrates made a straight compensation order that requires Pooler pay back £100 to the retailer as the items were not recovered. 

Magistrates made no order for court costs or victim surcharge due to her limited means. 

Magistrates added Pooler would pay off the £100 at a rate of £5 a week.