A Nottinghamshire woman who stole low value items because she was "hungry" has spoken out after being sentenced. Linsey Perry, a grandmother of three, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, June 9.
She pleaded guilty to three counts of theft while serving a suspended sentence. The court was told Perry had 14 convictions, of which eight were thefts between 2019 and 2023.
Some of the low value items include toothpaste that Perry stole for personal use, and a coffee bag that was a gift for her pregnant daughter, the court heard. The hearing was told that the defendant said she was "hungry" and that is why she took some of the items.
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There was no application for compensation due to the low cost of the items, the court was told. Delivering his sentence, Judge Stuart Rafferty QC told the defendant: "I know times are hard."
The judge added: "It makes me sad, not angry, because you have been doing so well. I remember saying goodbye to you hoping not to see you again. You have become the lost cause of my judicial life."
He asked Perry if her financial situation has improved, and whether she has found accommodation, to which the defendant said yes. Asked if she is still drinking [alcohol], Perry said she had three drinks this week and that she wants to "concentrate on family".
"For each of the offences I will impose six months treatment", Judge Rafferty added. "I think it is important for you to see me. Although I am not a social worker, I think you need someone to talk to. I will ask for reviews. I will ask you to come see me again."
He then said: "I do not think I have given anyone else as many chances as I have given you. You have been doing well. I am proud of you and you should be too."
Speaking outside of court, 43-year-old Perry has opened up about her life. The grandmother of three, who lives in shared accommodation in Sutton-in-Ashfield, said she fell into a downward spiral two years ago, following an incident.
She said she had spent six months in a tent, and she now lives in shared accommodation. She admitted that she stole items from a Poundland in Mansfield.
"I want my own place", she added. "I stole because I was hungry. Now I just want to live in a place on my own and concentrate on family."
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