Serial Bilston shoplifter could face prison
A serial shoplifter has been told she could face prison by magistrates.
Melanie Blick, 41, admitted stealing £178 worth of goods from Boots Chemist in Bridgnorth.
The court heard Blick, of Batmanshill Road, Bilston, previously had 20 convictions for 41 offences over 25 years.
Mr Chris Coughlan, prosecuting, said Blick was seen by security staff selecting items - including tanning spray equipment and make up supplies - at will from the shelves and not paying for them on March 23.
He said: "She admitted taking all the items, which were all recovered."
Mr Anthony Cartin, defending, denied Blick was a professional shoplifter and said she was struggling with class A drug problem.
He said: "There was a lengthy gap of about nine in between offences but there has now been 12 in the last five years.
"Despite being 41-years-old she has started taking class A drugs in the last few years. The stealing really began again in 2014 to fund her drug habit.
"It's usually something that affects young people and although it has always been round her she had never dabbled with them."
Mr Cartin said Blick's long term partner had been sent to prison in 2011, which had prompted her to take up class A drugs.
Magistrate Kevin Grego adjourned until May 20 for a pre-sentence report but warned a custodial sentence could be deemed appropriate.
