Drug addict stole booze to pay debt

A drug addict stole two bottles of vodka to pay off a drug debt.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Thursday, May 18, how Sophie Pirie, 34, of Princess Street, Brimington, Chesterfield, stole the spirits from ASDA, at Whittington Moor, Chesterfield.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said Pirie was seen putting the bottles in a bag and paying for lesser items before she walked out of the store without paying for the alcohol. Pirie was identified from CCTV and she told police she stole the spirits because drug dealers had told her to do it to pay a drug debt. The defendant pleaded guilty to the theft from February 16.

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The court heard she had committed the theft just before being sent to prison for another matter and she was arrested for stealing the vodka when she was released from prison. Magistrates sentenced Pirie to a 12 month conditional discharge but warned she would be re-sentenced if she re-offended in the next year. She must pay £20 compensation, a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.