Judge admits he was wrong to give serial shoplifter another chance

DRUG ADDICT 'BETTER OFF' BEHIND BARS, HE SAYS

- By MARTIN NAYLOR

THIS serial shoplifter, who steals to fund her drug habit, has been put behind bars where she “is better off and properly medicated,’ a judge said.

Nottingham Crown Court heard how Donna Curtis targeted stores in Wollaton Vale, Bramcote and Ilkeston during her latest spate of thefts, stealing booze, food and items to sell for class A drugs.

At the time the 41-year-old, of Wollaton Vale, was the subject of a community order after she was caught trying to smuggle drugs into jail.

Jailing her for a year, Judge Stuart Rafferty KC said: “When I gave you a community order for smuggling drugs into prison I was firmly of the belief that you had been affected by your husband (to do it). What has happened subsequently is that it was your idea all along.