Addict thief is spared prison

A thief who stole a purse from a mother's handbag as she shopped at a Black Country market has avoided jail.

Amanda Perks, of Lysways Street, Caldmore, in Walsall, targeted her victim as she shopped with her husband and two children at Bescot's Sunday market.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday how the 28-year-old had stood between the woman shopper and her pushchair, before stealing the purse which contained £5 in coins and personal papers.

Mr David Lees, prosecuting, said: "The woman became aware of two people standing uncomfortably close to her while at a stall.

"The defendant leaned between the woman and the pushchair and the woman felt some physical contact from the defendant on her leg. When the suspect moved away, the victim discovered her purse was missing."

Miss Wendy Miller, defending, said Perks stole to feed a heroin addiction.

Judge Martin Walsh said Perks had an "extensive record" for shop lifting.

He sentenced Perks to six months in jail, suspended for two years, along with two years supervision.

Perks had pleaded guilty to theft when she appeared at Walsall Magistrates Court on October 21.