The theft of a handheld vacuum proved costly for a former NHS worker who stole the £40 item from Coop and was "circulated as wanted" as a result, a court heard. Emma Swann picked up the 'on offer' Russell Hobbs vacuum from Coop, Nottingham Road, Selston, on Septmber 27 last year at the self service check-out.
She paid for her shopping - but not the vacuum - and left. But checks were made on her vehicle's insurance and this linked her to the brazen theft. Of previous good character, Swann, 40, had picked the vacuum up and popped it in with her shopping - and accepted she did not pay for it.
Her lawyer, Katie Hodgkinson, said Swann suffered from anxiety and despression, and of the vacuum, "she just did it". She was contacted by police to attend a voluntary interview at Mansfield Police Station, Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard on Wednesday (January 11).
Read more: Man found with knife in Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre was 'in crisis', court hears
When she arrived at the police station there was no note for her to attend, and she assumed whatever question they had had gone away. She did not know she was circulated as "wanted", added Miss Hodgkinson.
"She has worked for the NHS for 20 years," she told magistrates. "She recently left for mental health issues". Now she is medicated for anxiety and depression and is supported by her partner.
She has signed up for a help programme and her first appointment is tomorrow. Magistrates decided on a conditional discharge for six months, a victim surcharge of £26, costs of £85, and compensation to Coop of £40 - the price of the vacuum.
"The total is £151, an expensive cleaner wasn't it?" said one JP to Swann. But she replied: "I haven't even got it - my dog chewed it up!"
READ NEXT:
