Judge’s warning to female drug addict

Juliana Szombatiova, Clonavon Avenue, Portadown, had admitted, at an earlier court, to the theft of two pair of jeans, valued at £49.98, belonging to TK Maxx, on September 5 this year.The case had been adjourned so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

The court heard that at 2.40pm a female shoplifter had been pursued by a security guard from TK Maxx and she was arrested for the theft of two pairs of jeans which were recovered and fit for re-sale.

All matters were caught on CCTV and when interviewed she made a full admission.

Mr Conor Downey, representing the defendant, said it was clear from the report that because of her addiction to a particular drug she found herself back in court.

He added that there was a favourable recommendation in the report and that she was trying to overcome her addiction.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said this offence took place just a short time after another matter.

Deferring the case for six months he said that would give time for a probation order, which the defendant had been given, to be completed.

He also wanted an updated probation report, confirmation she was dealing with her underlying problem and there should be no further offending until May 18 next year.

“There will be no custodial sentence if you do what is required of you,” the judge told the defendant.