Avoided trouble for six months

Tracey Derby (36), Brookfield Avenue, Banbridge, had admitted stealing Yankee candles and a gift box valued at £19.97 from Hallmark on June 30 last year.

When the case was dealt with in October District Judge Peter King had deferred sentencing on the matter.

Last Thursday’s court heard that on June 30 police received a report of a theft from Hallmark in Newry Street, Banbridge.

The defendant had lifted the items, put them in her handbag and left without paying for them.

Police went to her home and a number of items were seized including the gift box.

A solicitor representing the defendant said that since the deferral in October Derby had not come to the attention of the police or the court.

She added that the defendant had cut out any bad influences in her life and no longer had a relationship with an individual highlighted by Judge King. She said that Derby felt her medication regime was not helping her and this has now been reduced by her GP. She feels she needs more help through counselling.

The solicitor also pointed out that the offence had taken place nearly a year ago and there had been no offending since then.

District Judge, Mr Alan White, sentenced her to four months in prison, suspended for two years.

He told her that if she came back to court custody was inevitable but with the steps she was taking he would like to think he would not see her again.