A SHOPLIFTER couldn’t remember if she had stolen goods from a supermarket – because she had been abusing alcohol and drugs.

Chelsea Berry, 26, entered Asda on Moss Bay Road in Workington at 5.15pm on February 27.

She collected a number of food items worth £62.01 and placed them into a basket, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said Berry then left the store, making no attempt to pay.

The defendant was interviewed by police on May 14. She said she couldn’t remember if she was present because she had been abusing alcohol and drugs. She said she couldn’t remember it.

Berry, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

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John Cooper, defending, said it was the first dishonesty offence Berry had committed.

He said: “She cooperated with police as much as she could. She couldn’t remember.

“There are significant family issues. She is homeless at the minute.”

Magistrates fined Berry £80 and ordered her to pay £62.01 in compensation to Asda.

She must also pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.