Prolific Sutton thief who stole Christmas present toy was later recognised by her distinctive walk

Jamie Birch took an Amazon parcel containing a £33 toy microwave which was left outside an address on Dalestorth Road, on December 13, last year, said Sarah Angus, prosecuting.

Her victim put a CCTV image of the defendant onto Facebook and spotted her ten days later while driving along Priestic Road.

When he challenged her Birch denied stealing the package, which was intended as a Christmas present, and confirmed her name.

She also stole £74 worth of beauty products from Home Bargains on March 7, but was recognised by the store manager from previous incidents.

Birch later told police she sold the toy microwave for £5 to fund her crack cocaine addiction, and apologised, but said she was desperate for money and food.

The court heard she has a "terrible record" with eight previous convictions for 51 offences, 35 of which are for theft.

She was jailed for 40 weeks for 17 shop thefts last August and was on licence following her release when she stole the toy.

Nichola Thorpe, mitigating, said there was a gap in Birch's offending between 2016 and 2023, and she is now working with professionals to deal with her long-standing drug problem.

Birch, aged 36, of Prior Close, Sutton, admitted theft and theft by finding, when she appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on Thursday.

She was ordered to pay a total of £365 in fines, costs and compensation, which will be added to the £5,223 she already owes the court.