'˜Cute' shoplifter gave false name

A woman caught stealing over £100 of goods from Tesco gave police the name of someone 'who was not her friend' the local court has heard.
Lisburn Magistrates' Court.Lisburn Magistrates' Court.
Lisburn Magistrates' Court.

Dana Robinson (37), of Ardane Gardens, Lisburn admitted charges of theft and obstructing police.

The court heard that on March 5, 2015 police were called to Tesco Lisburn where staff had detained a female shop lifter who was trying to leave the store with £100.34 of groceries.

The woman was arrested and provided a name and contact details. A few weeks later police were contacted by a woman saying she had received details of the theft charge but she had not committed the offence.

She provided details of Robinson and when officers spoke to the defendant, she claimed she had been on a lot of medication at the time of being cautioned by police.

A defending solicitor told Lisburn Magistrates’ Court that the defendant had been “somewhat confused” about the incident.

District Judge Rosie Watters said: “I find this hard to believe, she was cute enough to give the name of somebody else.”

Defence added: “She had changed her medication in the days leading up to the incident. She has previous thefts, and was subject to community service order.”

District Judge said this case was particularly mean with Robinson providing police with the details of “somebody who was not your friend.” She was sentenced to five months in prison, which was suspended for two years.

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