A shoplifter has been put on probation for 12 months for stealing from Boots the chemist.
Christine Ann Metaxas admitted the theft of goods worth £25.99, which she was ordered to pay in compensation to the company.
When she appeared in court previously before sentencing, we reported that staff at the Strand Street shop saw 51-year-old Metaxas in the shop on April 12.
Staff recognised her as she had been banned from the shop previously.
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She was seen picking up nail hardener but as staff followed her to another aisle she no longer had the item in her hand.
Staff also reported that they could see a facial wash product in her bag.
Metaxas, who lives in Waverley Terrace, Ramsey, then went to the checkout and paid for three other items.
CCTV footage viewed later showed her putting various other items into her own bag.
A stock check revealed that hand cream, facial scrub, nail hardener, scented oil, and a hair clip had been taken.
Police called at Metaxas’ home on April 14 and she admitted stealing the goods.
A probation report described Metaxas as a ’highly intelligent woman’ who had worked all over the world as a landscape architect.
The report said that she had struggled with alcohol issues for a number of years though she said she had not been drinking on the day of the theft.
Metaxas was said to have completed a probation order in 2019 and the report recommended that a further period of probation would be beneficial to her.
Defence advocate James Peterson said: ’Ms Metaxas has had difficulties for a number of years. The court will no doubt have seen her history of shoplifting.
’But she has no convictions since May 2019, which is a significant improvement.
’The previous probation order was completed and she engaged well. She has continued to engage with services even after the end of the order.
’We would describe this as an unfortunate blip. It was a low value shoplifting offence.’
Magistrates also ordered Metaxas to pay £50 prosecution costs which she will pay, along with the compensation, at a rate of £5 per week deducted from benefits.