Habitual shoplifter jailed

Joanne Latter, of no fixed address but previously of Bexhill, was bailed by magistrates at a previous hearing, but failed to keep an appointment with the probation office.

The 25-year-old claimed she witnessed a stabbing on the day she was due to be assessed for drug treatment.

At a previous court hearing, she pleaded guilty to four counts of theft and asked for a further five offences to be taken into consideration.

At a court hearing on Monday, Jeremy King, prosecuting, said Latter stole more than 70 worth of goods from Lloyds Pharmacy in Hastings on March 4. She also stole 480 worth of groceries from Asda in Eastbourne on April 2.

On March 22 Latter stole 20 worth of items from Budgens in Battle and 60 worth of food five days earlier in the Co-op, again in Battle.

She also took 180 of goods from Tesco Express in Battle.

Latter appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court on Monday after police arrested her for failing to turn up to a sentencing hearing on May 7.

Aiden Harvey, defending, said: "She was in a property where there was a stabbing and as a consequence missed her appointment with probation.

"She did see the stabbing and was upset.

"The defendant is extremely sick of her life with chasing the next line of heroin."

Speaking after Latter was sentenced, Sergeant Dan Russell, of Battle police, said: "This was a thorough investigation led by Battle response officer PC Eagles.

"I am grateful for the support of all the witnesses in bringing this female to justice.

"The key to the investigation was the CCTV evidence within the stores.

"I hope this sends a strong message to those who believe that stores are easy targets."