A young Carlisle woman who stole from two city centre stores committed the offences while strapped for cash amid the cost of living crisis, a court was told.
Sophie Sealby, 22, of Lingmoor Way, was caught on CCTV at both shops, on the late afternoon of February 16, as she snatched products and then left without paying for them.
Sealby visited Katie Loxon & Joma Jewellery in The Lanes shopping complex and was initially seen by an employee to be walking around the store. That staff member became distracted, and then saw Sealby leaving quickly.
CCTV footage showed her taking bracelets valued at £79.98.
Sealby was also caught on camera taking items worth £80, including washing pods, from nearby Wilko in the Market Hall.
She admitted two theft charges, her solicitor telling Carlisle Magistrates’ Court of her difficult life in recent years due to family issues and bereavements.
Of the offending, lawyer Kate Hunter cited the impact of cost of living, adding: “She says she is struggling. It really was out of desperation.”
A probation officer who spoke with Sealby told the court: “She is remorseful for what happened. She stated that she did act on impulse. Financial circumstances made her act.”
Sealby was made subject to a 12-month community order. She will work with the probation service in a bid to rehabilitate and put her personal finances on track, must complete 80 hours’ unpaid work and pay compensation to the two businesses.
