A prolific thief has been given another prison sentence after committing her 228th criminal offence.
Melissa Ridley, 38, was arrested after shoplifting at a Sainsbury’s store in Carlisle on July 17.
City magistrates heard this morning that Ridley was spotted by security staff who recognised her. She was carrying an orange bag for life and a basket.
“They heard a security alarm being activated, noticed Miss Ridley’s bag for life was full and could hear glass bottles clanging inside,” said prosecutor George Shelley.
Ridley left the store without making payment. But staff kept an eye on her and called police, who detained her in possession of the bag and its contents, valued at £121. These were recovered and suitable for resale.
Ridley, latterly of Gloucester Road, Carlisle, admitted a charge of theft as she appeared in court over a video link from custody, where she is serving a 60-week sentence imposed at Carlisle Crown Court in December. She has been recalled on licence and is not due for release until February next year.
Magistrates heard she had 80 previous convictions for 227 offences — 112 for theft and similar dishonesty.
Asked to explain her actions on July 17, Ridley said: “At the time I was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. I had been struggling financially and I was homeless. It was basically to sell for money for food and living expenses.
“I do regret my actions. I can’t really remember much of what happened that day. It’s not an excuse but I was struggling.”
Magistrates imposed an immediate four-week jail term for the theft, which will run concurrently with the sentence she is currently serving.
- Last June, Ridley was made the subject of a criminal behaviour order which bans her from entering businesses which are part of the Workington and Maryport Shopwatch schemes, and also prohibits her from going into a host of other stores across Cumbria.
