Shoplifter netted �1,500 worth of items in a week
IPSWICH: A drug-addicted mother of two is today awaiting sentence after she admitted going on a week-long shoplifting spree.
Esther Snell began amassing her �1,500 haul the day she was released from jail on July 31.
On Friday, South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court heard how Snell, of Shackleton Square, Ipswich, stole from shops on 11 occasions in seven days.
The 34-year-old, who has been to prison four times this year, was spotted taking bottles of alcohol, raw meat and toiletries from shops she had already been banned from.
On August 2, she and an accomplice filled a trolley with �300 of goods at Sainsbury’s before walking out and loading the stolen items into a waiting taxi.
Later the same day, she bagged nearly �30 of stock from the Co-op in Hines Road.
Prosecutors labelled Snell a “prolific, high-profile offender” who has so far clocked up 53 convictions for 151 offences, including 108 thefts.
Most Read
- 1 Man suffers fractured eye socket after attack outside Ipswich bus station
- 2 Unclaimed £83k winning EuroMillions lottery ticket was bought in Suffolk
- 3 Police concerned for welfare of missing Suffolk man last seen two weeks ago
- 4 Woman who stole £24k from school and football club to face sentence
- 5 Suffolk rail services affected after person hit by a train
- 6 Ipswich climber's death was a 'tragic and unexpected accident'
- 7 Severe delays on A14 outside Ipswich after vehicle sheds turf on road
- 8 School submits plan to turn site into 7 homes
- 9 Former town council manager named as woman who died in A11 crash
- 10 Victim bundled into car and hit with hammer, robbery and kidnap trial hears
Shelley Lapatrie, mitigating, told magistrates Snell had a �60-a-day drug habit, adding: “At first blush it’s not looking good for her.
“She’s stuck in a circle of being in and out of prison.
“I’m not suggesting there is a miracle cure and that Miss Snell is going to turn into a law-abiding citizen overnight. But she believes she is ready to take the advice and help on offer to her.”
Snell was remanded in custody until a later date for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.
