Sarah Vernon, 43, of Crantock Road, Birmingham, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on September 3, where she pleaded guilty to attempting to steal goods worth £124.05 from a Sainsbury's store on Chester Road.
Prosecutor Savithru Wijeratne described the incident as a "straightforward" shoplifting matter, stating that Vernon entered the supermarket on August 25 accompanied by another female. The pair were detained by shop security, and the items - washing detergent, alcohol, and juice - were recovered in full.
Court hearing details
Vernon, who stood unrepresented, admitted to the judge, "well that's it isn't it," and told the court she had been "struggling with addiction." District Judge Smith noted that Vernon is currently unemployed and seeking work.
The judge acknowledged Vernon's previous convictions for theft in 2023 but observed that "there has been a significant period of time between that" and the current offence. She gave Vernon credit for her guilty plea and the low value of the items.
Sentence and compensation
Judge Smith sentenced Vernon to a conditional discharge for 12 months, warning her of the importance of not committing any offences. The judge did not impose court costs but ordered Vernon to pay £26 to Sainsbury's.
The conditional discharge means Vernon will face no further punishment for this offence provided she stays out of trouble during the 12-month period. The £26 payment serves as compensation to the supermarket for the attempted theft.
