Woman stole cushions from 99p Store "to help friend"

Friday 05 January 2018

A woman has appeared in court for stealing cushions, groceries and being drunk and incapable.

53-year-old Maria Aurelina Agrela Da Silva pleaded guilty to two charges of theft and one of being drunk and incapable.

Da Silva admits to stealing two cushions costing £13.98 from the 99p Store on Bath Street on 9 September 2017. Staff caught her putting them into a bag and walking out of the store.

Earlier that day, she paid for five chilled meals in Iceland further up the street, but put groceries with a value of £30.52 in a bag under a pram and walked out the shop.  

She is also charged with a third offence of being drunk and incapable in Gloucester Street on 23 December 2017. 

Pictured: The Magistrate's Court, where the case was heard. (Google Maps)

The Magistrate's Court heard that the 53-year-old, "...does not claim income support and instead lives and works for different friends."

"One of her friends has needs, so she stole the cushions for him and she knew the consequences," Magistrate Bridget Shaw was told.

Referring to the drunk and incapable charge, it was said that, "...she had drunk red wine, which affects her more than any other alcohol. She does not need the support from the drugs and alcohol service, she can stop drinking herself."

Defence Advocate Stephen Wauchope told Magistrate Shaw: "She paid for the items she could afford but didn't pay for those she couldn't."

When discussing if Da Silva could afford a fine, Advocate Wauchope said: "I would suggest if you are stealing the likes of corned beef, there is a need... She is turning her life around to an extent, but she doesn't have the money to pay for a fine and does struggle."

Da Silva will next appear in Court on 31 January and has been released on bail with curfew restrictions until then.