Woman, 25, caught thieving for 104th time after having benefits slashed

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told Alcock assaulted a store manager on one occasion, grabbing their wrists when confronted.

Some of the thefts occurred just days after her release from prison in the lead-up to Christmas, following the suspension of her benefits.

She has now been sentenced to 11 months in jail.

Hunter Gray, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was released from prison after committing previous theft offences on November 26 last year, and was recalled on December 23 last year. She was reoffending after a few days. She has been disobedient to court orders, and her reoffending includes thefts and assault, which are aggravating factors.”

Alcock admitted to 11 counts of shop theft, two attempted shop thefts, one charge of assault by beating, and eight breaches of criminal behaviour orders.

She has been in custody since December 23.

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The court was told that during her time at HMP Foston Hall, Alcock has managed to overcome her drug use and has impressed staff with her cooking and baking abilities.

Hamish Noble, mitigating, said: “Miss Alcock is very young and in some ways her manner is childlike. As well as her life experiences and her mental health difficulties I’d like Your Honour to consider her immaturity.

“She was misusing heroin, monkey dust and drinking. Her benefits were sanctioned because she was a drug user at the time of these offences. She was highly vulnerable herself. She regrets what she’s done and offers her apology through me.

“It was a grab of the store manager’s wrist and nothing more, there was no injury but it came as a shock understandably."

Alcock reportedly has 119 offences on her record, including 104 for theft.

Judge Trevor Meegan said: “This was prolific offending over two weeks, not long after being released. Some shops included M&S which you targeted more than twice. Theft is prolific in the Stoke-on-Trent area and it’s damaging to communities. Shops were targeted and items were stolen in order to fund your drug use habit.

“The common assault is limited, I accept it was the grabbing a the store manager- at least she had the bravery to confront you, many others and security guards daren’t confront shoplifters.”

He added: “You have had prolonged drug use since you were 16. I’ve read you have a real talent in cooking - particularly bakery - and you could put it to good use by exploring that talent. Your sentences will get longer and longer, and when you’re released you must use these skills on the outside, because that's something you're good at and can focus on. You have considerable motivation to engage and I accept that is genuine.”