East Sussex court magistrates in the town of Eastbourne England mandating drug programme to Shoplifter

The attempts to use the "Alcoholics Anonymous" get out of jail free card in England have escalated in this part of the UK and the court magistrates are delving deep the into slippery slope of court mandated attendance which the actions of Iain Duncan Smith have only increased.

Shoplifter ordered to join drug programme

Published on Sunday 17 June 2012 17:00

A SHOPLIFTER who stole goods from a town centre store while on a conditional discharge for a similar offence has been ordered to take part in a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Natalie Tichbon, of The Portlands, took cosmetics worth £74.54 from Superdrug on May 10 without attempting to pay.

Eastbourne magistrates heard she was stopped outside by staff and the goods were recovered.

Weeks later the 27-year-old was seen on CCTV taking perfume in Boots and putting it in her bag and pocket. However, she changed her mind and put the items back on a shelf before leaving the store.

The court heard how the defendant was given a 12-month conditional discharge in December last year for a matter of theft.

She pleaded guilty to theft, attempted theft and committing an offence while subject to a conditional discharge.

Noelle Magennis, defending, said, “All offences are unsophisticated and all the good were recovered. If you read the report there’s issues with both alcohol and drugs from a young age.

“She has periods where she’s doing very well and then a trigger will go off and she starts offending again and goes back to these substances.

Ms Magennis said her client had been in contact with Alcoholics Anonymous and had started a 12 step programme, adding, “They have seen a good change in her attitude.

“She’s very motivated to address these issues, especially for the sake of her daughter.”

Magistrates revoked the conditional discharge and gave Tichbon a community order with nine months supervision and a six month drug rehabilitation requirement. The case will be reviewed on July 18.

She must also pay £85 costs.

Source:http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/local-news/shoplifter-ordered-to-...