Checkout assistant spared jail

Rachael Newton was given a two-year supervision order after pleading guilty to theft from her employer. She stole £50 from the till at the Kinver branch of The Midcounties Co-operative supermarket every week for six months and was eventually caught on CCTV.

Newton, aged 26, of Bridgnorth Road, Enville, sparked a missing persons alert on New Year's Day when she vanished from home the day before she was due in court.

It was revealed during yesterday's sentencing proceedings at Stafford Crown Court that Newton had tried to take her own life.

She pleaded guilty to theft on January 9 when she was warned she could face an immediate prison sentence.

Mr Ian Pinkerley, prosecuting, told the court yesterday that Newton stole a total of £1,500 between January 1 and June 1 2008 at High Street store where she had worked for four years.

Sentencing Newton, Recorder Miss Diane Cotton QC said: "You were stealing from your employer taking £50 a week from the till. That seems to be something you could easily do without being found out but eventually you were found out.

"Because you were in breach of trust this is a more serious offence than the simple theft of £1,500."

She added: "For the reasons your defence has outlined it would not be appropriate to impose an immediate custodial sentence. I have given you full credit for your early plea."

Mr Steven Bailey, defending, said Newton's "lack of self-esteem" contributed to her actions. He described her as a "very troubled young woman" and told the court she was recently diagnosed with an eating disorder and was being treated.

"She's had a number of difficulties and setbacks in her young life. She would benefit substantially from the help that is now being offered to her in the community," added Mr Bailey.

Newton declined to comment after. A Midcounties Co-operative spokesman said: "The matter has been dealt with by the court. We have no further comment to make."