Shoplifting nurse told to seek help

Katherine Kelly, 52, of Boscombe Road, admitted stealing two boxes of painkillers, supplements, a jar of coffee, meat and dishwasher tablets from the Tesco store on Gateford Road on November 10.

The offence follows a previous conviction for shoplifting in October when she was given a conditional discharge.

Mansfield magistrates court heard that her ‘highly-stressful’ job involves assessing the mental health of accident and emergency victims.

Chris Lacey, defending, said: “She can’t cope financially. She is going through a marriage break-up and she is taking anti-depressants. She has made it quite clear that she needs help.”

Magistrates imposed a community order for six months and ordered her to carry out 14 hours of unpaid work. She must pay a surcharge of £60, £85 costs and a courts charge of £150. She was advised to speak to the community mental health nurse at the court.