A homeless woman stole Christmas presents from a town centre store, Worthing magistrates heard.
Lisa Howe, 25, previously of St Matthews Road, Worthing, admitted stealing items worth £14.31, including perfume sets, gift sets and a CD case, from Wilkinsons in the Guildbourne Centre.
The court heard Howe, who is on a methadone treatment programme, had previous convictions for dishonesty and admitted breaching a conditional discharge.
Peter Lytle, prosecuting, said:
"When interviewed, Miss Howe told the officer she was taking antidepressants and they might have affected her judgement."
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community rehabilitation order after hearing how Miss Howe spent Christmas in a psychiatric unit and was homeless.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article