Woman jailed for eight months on multiple counts of theft

A woman has been jailed at Derry Magistrates Court on multiple counts of theft.

Lisa Margaret Stokes, 31, of Lawrence Hill, admitted on June 23, stealing a number of items from Sports Direct and Poundland in Strabane.

When arrested, Stokes made a full admission to stealing the items but claimed it was because she 'had no money's' and said that she was 'ashamed' of what she'd done.

Three days later, on June 26, Stokes was once again arrested after stealing multiple fragrances from Boots in Crescent Link in Derry to the value of £250.

As well as this, Stokes was charged with attempting to steal a curling iron from the same shop on April 15, trying to break the electronic tag with her teeth before giving up and putting it back on the shelf.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley asked the court to take into account her early plea.

District Judge Barney McElhom, when passing her sentence, mentioned the fact that Stokes had reoffended four days after receiving a suspended sentence.

She was sentenced to eight months in prison.