Thief could not remember stealing bottles of wine from Sunderland petrol station
A thief who pinched white wine from a Sunderland petrol station had no recollection of doing so and was mortified when informed, a court heard.
Billie Stoker, 39, stole three bottles of Riesling from a filling station in Ryhope Road on April 14 but was not questioned by police at the time, a court was told.
The first Stoker knew of it when she received a summons through her door in Cairo Street, Hendon, magistrates in South Tyneside heard.
Prosecutor Mariam Odetoro said: “The defendant entered the outlet in Ryhope Road and was noted by store staff.
“She was carrying a bag and had eggs and staff followed. She put the eggs down and left the store.
“On reviewing CCTV, they noticed that she had selected three bottles of Riesling and had placed them in a carrier bag.
“She was last before a court in December 2024 for theft offences. This latest offence is aggravated by the previous conviction.”
Heather Bolton, defending, said: “Ms Stoker wasn’t interviewed in relation to this matter.
“The first she became aware of it was when she received a notification to come to court. She has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
“She has no recollection of this offence and is completely embarrassed to be before the court and charged with the theft of some bottles of alcohol.
“She does have some issues in relation to mental health. I would ask you to accept her apology and remorse for coming before the court.”
Magistrates ordered Stoker to pay £9 full compensation to the retailer, who was not identified, and fined her £40, with £85 costs and a £16 victim surcharge.