M&S and Aldi thief Kelly Payne is sentenced

Kelly Payne, who gave a care of address of Britannia Road, Worcester, owes thousands to the courts after string of offences, city magistrates heard.

Eleanor Peart, prosecuting, went through the latest offences which took place earlier this year. 

Miss Peart said Payne stole alcohol and meat from Aldi at 7pm on March 6. 

The prosecutor said £19.98 worth of items were stolen and not recovered. 

And, the court heard, at 3.30pm on May 7 Payne stole duvets and bedding sheets worth £233 - those items being recovered.

THIEF: Kelly Payne (Image: Facebook)

The court heard Payne had a number of previous convictions on her criminal record  - including for theft - owing £2,899 from outstanding fines and court costs.

Payne had admitted two charges of theft from a shop last month, the case being adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

Belinda Ariss, defending, told the court the defendant's criminality was linked to entrenched issues with taking drugs. 

MOST READ: Man, 31, admits criminal damage but denies common assault

CRIME MAP: The most crime ridden streets of Worcester revealed

"She is 33-year-old," Mrs Ariss said. 

"She has had enough."

The solicitor said Payne, previously of Bath Road, Worcester, had been living on the streets when she committed the offences, stealing the bedding to be more comfortable and food to eat.

The court heard Payne had no money at the time but was not receiving benefits. 

COURT: Kelly Payne appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

A probation service representative told the court Payne was embarrassed by her offending but had told them when she took class A drugs she failed to "consider anything".

Kevin Lloyd-Wright, chairman of the magistrates bench, said the offences by themselves did not warrant a community punishment. 

But, he explained, the offences combined with her previous convictions had led them to decide it was serious enough to give her a 12-month community order. 

Payne was told the order would include nine months of drug treatment - with Payne to give tests when required.

The defendant was also told to complete 30 days of rehabilitation. 

Payne was fined £120 and ordered to pay £19.98 compensation, £114 victim surcharge and £185 costs. 

The £438.98 total was added to the outstanding money owed to the courts, being deducted from her benefits.

The case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (October 26).