A woman who targeted shops across the Isle of Wight on 7 occasions, punching a Morrisons employee when challenged, has escaped an immediate prison sentence.
Joann Poll, 47, of Station Avenue in Sandown, admitted 7 counts of theft from a shop, criminal damage and common assault when she appeared before Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Prosecutor Liz Miller told the court that Poll stole £59.30 worth of goods from Morrisons in Newport on 5th June.
Just 2 days later, she visited Co-op in Sandown, concealing £36.50 worth of items in her jacket before leaving without paying.
On 17th September, Poll returned to Morrisons in Newport, stealing £166.55 worth of beer, wine and spirits. When challenged, she punched a member of staff.
The court heard that Poll also threw a rock through a window at an address in Ventnor on the same day.
A further theft took place at Co-op on York Avenue in East Cowes on 19th September, when Poll filled a bag for life with meat and alcohol before leaving without paying.
Poll went on to steal goods worth £54.05 from Co-op on Avenue Road on 24th and 26th September.
On 26th September, she also stole £12 worth of alcohol and food from Co-op in High Street.
The court heard that the total known value of goods stolen across the 7 incidents was £323.20, with a further £200 suspected to have been taken.
All 7 shoplifting offences were committed while Poll was subject to a community order.
Defending, Oscar Vincent said his client took “full responsibility” for her actions and argued that an immediate custodial sentence would have a “considerable impact” on her.
The Probation Service told magistrates that Poll was engaging well and had been open about her substance misuse.
Magistrates opted to revoke her existing community order and resentence her to a new 18-month order.
Poll was also ordered to pay £523.20 in compensation to Morrisons and Co-op.
A tearful Poll told the court she was speaking to her father to see whether he could pay the compensation on her behalf.
