A Newcastle woman who admitted stealing hundreds of pounds worth of goods from a Morrisons supermarket told a court she committed the offences after her Universal Credit payments were sanctioned during cancer treatment.
Caroline Pattinson, 47, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to three counts of shop theft. The court heard that she stole items worth a total of $457 from the supermarket across three separate incidents.
Case
According to prosecutors, Pattinson targeted a Morrisons store on October 11, November 4, and February 12. She and a co-defendant allegedly stole a range of everyday products, including chocolate, coffee, meat, and washing tablets.
The total value of the stolen goods was reported to be $457.
Sentence
Following her guilty pleas, the court fined Pattinson $200 and ordered her to pay $248.50 in compensation.
The case was heard at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Caroline Pattinson |
| Age | 47 |
| Court | Newcastle Magistrates’ Court |
| Charges | Three counts of shop theft |
| Goods Stolen | Chocolate, coffee, meat, washing tablets |
| Value of Goods | $457 |
| Fine | $200 |
| Compensation | $248.50 |
Defense
Representing Pattinson, defense solicitor Neil Connell told the court that she had recently been diagnosed with stage three cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.
He said Pattinson had a long history of offending linked to drug addiction but was currently drug-free while receiving cancer treatment.
According to the defense, Pattinson missed appointments with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) because she was in hospital receiving treatment. Mr. Connell said those missed appointments resulted in her Universal Credit being sanctioned.
He told the court that the loss of benefits was the reason she committed the thefts.
Prosecution
Prosecutor Jade Houston outlined the three shoplifting incidents and confirmed that Pattinson and a co-accused were involved in targeting the Morrisons store on the dates presented in court.
The prosecution detailed the value of the stolen goods but did not dispute the defense’s account regarding Pattinson’s medical condition.
Background
Court proceedings also referenced Pattinson’s lengthy criminal history. Reports indicate she has accumulated hundreds of previous offences over many years.
Her past convictions have included theft-related crimes, and previous cases have attracted public attention because she and her daughter were jailed for offences involving vulnerable victims.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit claimants are generally expected to meet certain conditions, including attending appointments with the DWP, unless exemptions or adjustments apply due to illness or other circumstances.
When claimants fail to meet agreed requirements without accepted reasons, benefit payments can be reduced or suspended through a process known as a sanction. Individual decisions depend on each claimant’s circumstances and the evidence available.
In this case, the defense argued that missed appointments during hospital treatment led to Pattinson’s benefits being sanctioned before the offences took place.
The court heard that Caroline Pattinson admitted stealing from Morrisons on three occasions after her Universal Credit payments were sanctioned. While her solicitor linked the offences to financial difficulties during cancer treatment, the court imposed a $200 fine and ordered $248.50 in compensation following her guilty pleas.
FAQs
Why did the woman say she stole from Morrisons?
Her lawyer said her Universal Credit was sanctioned.
How much was stolen?
Goods worth $457 were taken.
What sentence did the court impose?
A $200 fine and $248.50 compensation.
What items were stolen?
Chocolate, coffee, meat and washing tablets.
