A Bishopsworth mum-of-seven who turned to shoplifting after relapsing into drug addiction has been spared immediate jail. Sophie Dudbridge has been taking Class A drugs since the age of 16, Bristol Crown Court heard.
The 40-year-old, of Borleyton Walk, pleaded guilty to multiple thefts between July and December last year, three of which were in breach of a previously suspended prison sentence. She appeared for sentence today (March 22, 2022).
Judge Paul Cook handed her a 12-month community order with drug rehabilitation and a £200 fine. He told her: "These are all businesses endeavouring to survive. When you steal from them you impact these businesses."
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Rhianna Fricker, prosecuting, said Dudbridge stole £100 worth of goods from The Range in Avonmeads, was identified on CCTV and admitted what she had done to police. She also admitted stealing £60 of meat from the Better Food Company, £147 worth of meat and cheese from McColls in Bedminster, and a further £113 worth of goods in two more thefts from the Better Food Company.
The court heard she had 29 previous theft convictions. She also had convictions for non-dwelling burglary, handling stolen goods and making off without payment. Matthew Comer, defending, said his client relapsed into drug taking after becoming homeless, but was working to detoxify. The court heard she was motivated to address her addiction.
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