'Professional pickpocket' jailed for Wolverhampton purse thefts
A 'professional pickpocket' has been jailed for a year after stealing three purses in Wolverhampton city centre.
Mother Lydia Turner stole the purses from women's handbags between February and July at the George Wallace pub in Victoria Street and the Lady Wulfrun in Lichfield Street in the city.
Recorder Nicholas Syfret sentenced her to four months in prison for each offence to be served consecutively.
Mr Simon Phillips, prosecuting at Wolverhampton Crown Court, said Turner, 35, had stolen a purse from a woman's bag on February 12 last year before leaving the pub.
He said: "She returned almost a month later on March 8, where she stole a purse from a handbag which had a House of Fraser gift card with £74 of credit on it, two bank cards and £65 cash.
"On July 3, she was caught on CCTV sitting near the victim in Lady Wulfrun where she used her to feet to grab the handbag before walking away with something hidden in a cardigan.
"This is a lady who could be called a professional pickpocket."
Mr Phillips told the hearing that Turner, of John Street, Rowley Regis, was arrested on July 31 last year after photos were published in the Express & Star which led to her being identified by members of the public.
He also said the mother-of-one had a long history of dishonesty offences and that stealing purses from handbags in pubs was her 'modus operandi'.
Mrs Geraldine Toal, for Turner, said she stole to fund her drug habit.
She said: "This lady had a drug issue at the time of this offence.
"She has not only let down herself but she has also let down her son as well."
The court heard she had a long record of such thefts.
Mrs Toal said: "I can't argue for her record.
"She realises now the effect that her crimes have on victims."
Recorder Syfret banned Turner from entering the two pubs for the next two years.
He said: "At age 35, you are without doubt a professional thief and your offending causes enormous distress to the people it affects.
"Anyone who has lost a purse or handbag knows that the distraction it causes to their lives.
"I am not happy that you are not showing any remorse."
