Shoplifting pensioner who targeted Colne store told to 'stop it'

Barbara Anderson was caught after her latest theft as she tried to leave Boundary Mill in Colne, with goods worth almost £500. The property was recovered.

The 67-year-old was in breach of a six-month conditional discharge, imposed on February 1st, for stealing.

The Burnley Bench were told when Anderson was interviewed, she said she realised she couldn't afford all the items, so she decided to steal them.

Her solicitor, Mr Graeme Parkinson, handed the court a letter from Anderson's doctor. He said she had a number of previous convictions and a number of issues. The offence appeared to be committed on the spur of the moment.

Mr Parkinson continued: "I think she struggles with great difficulties, sometimes, in thinking things through logically. She has previously had a stroke, which impacted on her mental capacity. She also had another episode earlier this year."

Anderson, who lives at Haywood Road, Accrington, admitted theft on May 26th. She was fined £120, with a £30 victim surcharge. The Bench allowed the conditional discharge to run.

The chairman told her: "This is a situation that is growing more and more serious. The sentences that you will have will get more and more serious. Now is the time to make sure you stop this action."