Ashfield woman 'acted as a lookout for criminal gang in bid to pay off drugs debt in Derbyshire burglaries'

Kalina Parkin was spotted by police standing next to a car with the boot open in South Wingfield on October 10, 2018, Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court was told on Tuesday, September 1.

When officers stopped to investigate, Parkin ran away and, while one officer pursued her, the other explored the boot of the Seat car, finding electrical garden items valued at almost £3,500.

Investigations later revealed that the items, which included chainsaws, hedge trimmers and a jet washer had been stolen from outbuildings at two addresses in Church Lane and High Road, South Wingfield, Chesterfield, causing around £200 in damage to a garage door in the raids.

Prosecuting, Robert Carr told the court: “She was captured by police and when she got to Chesterfield Police Station she told officers that she was only the lookout.”

Parkin, 34, of Dalestorth Street, Sutton, admitted two non-dwelling burglaries when she appeared before the court.

Mitigating, Andy Hunter said: “She had built up a considerable drugs debt and took part to pay off the debt to her dealer.”

He added that Parkin was now clean and had only committed one further theft offence since the 2018 incident.

Magistrates gave Parkin an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered her to complete a thinking skills programme and 12 rehabilitation activity days.

She must also pay £85 costs, a £90 victim surcharge and £200 compensation.

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