Alcoholic was persuaded to steal cider by husband

Laura Tomlinson, 30, of Perlethorpe Avenue, Meden Vale, pleaded guilty to stealing four cans from J&J Stores on Ossington Close, on February 9, and two more cans from the same shop on February 20.

The court heard her husband was also accused of the thefts on February 20, and that he was currently in prison, awaiting trial for another matter.

Sarah Neale, mitigating, said: “She married her husband in 2006. As a result of the marriage she ended up on heroin.

“She explained that when he is in prison she is better off.

“When he is released her life style is significantly more problematic.

“She says she wasn’t forced to steal the cans but she was persuaded by her partner.

“She says she is not drinking so much now her husband is in prison.”

The court heard she was currently taking the heroin substitute methadone.

She was ordered to pay £10.44 in compensation and costs of £40.