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A County Durham woman repeatedly stole from the same shop to fund her drug addiction, a court was told.
Phoebe Tanswell faced six theft charges at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court after stealing from the Co-op in Wingate between July 13 and 18.
The court heard she stole coffee, meat and cleaning products worth £218.
Prosecutor Paul Anderson said Tanswell had little previous contact with the courts, receiving only a conditional discharge for a similar offence.
Tanswell, 25, of Attlee Avenue, Blackhall Colliery, admitted all six theft charges.
Her solicitor, Alison Banks, said Tanswell had never appeared in court before turning 25.
Miss Banks said Tanswell began using drugs after her mother died and was “in and out of rehabilitation”.
Tanswell became homeless, sleeping on the streets and in shop doorways, Miss Banks said.
Miss Banks said Tanswell lost “a phenomenal amount of weight”, suffered pneumonia and developed mental health problems.
But with support from her family, a drug worker and her GP, Tanswell has been recovering, Miss Banks said.
“Her family has come to her rescue. She has gone back to live with her dad and her sister is in court today supporting her.
“The family has been very supportive but will tell her when she has done wrong, giving her guidance and support.
“But you don’t just stop taking drugs and everything is fine.”
Miss Banks said Tanswell was not “coherent” when she moved into her father’s home five months ago but has improved significantly since.
Magistrates’ chair Lesley Wearmouth said it was encouraging to hear how Tanswell had turned her life around.
But she said Tanswell must repay the Co-op for the stolen goods.
Tanswell was fined £80, ordered to pay £100 in costs and surcharge, and told to pay the Co-op £218 in compensation.
In a separate case, a 20-year-old man admitted five thefts from the same Wingate Co-op during a four-week period in 2019.