Teenager sentenced for thefts

An Oswestry teenager who went on a stealing spree around the town to fund her drug habit has been sentenced by magistrates.

Natalie Kirkham of College Road, admitted carrying out a string of thefts between August 22 and October 21, as well as a burglary charge, before magistrates at Oswestry yesterday.

Kirkham, 18, was handed a community order with an 18-month supervision requirement. She was also given a six-month curfew to remain at her home address from 7pm to 7am.

Mr Paul Davies, prosecuting, said Kirkham stole items worth £230 from a car in Oswestry on August 22.

He said she had also broken into a garage, but the items stolen had been recovered when she was arrested.

"She said she stole the items to fund her £30 a day heroin addiction," he said.

He added that during September, Kirkham continued to steal food, cosmetics and alcohol from stores in Oswestry, the latest offence being on Sunday.

"The defendant went into Carpet Right in Oswestry on Sunday picked up a rug, placed it under her arm and ran out. She was pursued by the assistant manager."

Mr Jullian Derry, for Kirkham, said she was trying to work on her drugs problem.