King’s Lynn woman stole six times after finding out father was dead – before being told he was still alive

A woman committed a spate of thefts after being told her father was dead – before finding out he was actually still alive.

Jayde Greenacre, 37, of Bagge Road in Gaywood, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with six counts of theft from a shop.

She pleaded guilty to each of the offences, which she committed between June 22 and July 10 this year.

They included the stealing of £146 worth of washing products and deodorant during two visits to Home Bargains in Lynn, £54.95 worth of washing liquid from B&M, and meat products valued at £42 from Lidl.

Crown prosecutor Colette Harper told magistrates that Greenacre also stole £60 worth of alcohol from Tesco in Gaywood, as well as more meat of an unknown value from the same store.

In mitigation, George Sorrell said: “She knew she done wrong, and she owned up to it.

“You will notice that there are a number of offences involving many shops – all of which, I think we can say, are in the more economical sector of the market.

“In other words, she wasn’t choosing anything particularly extravagant.”

The solicitor detailed the “chaotic” lifestyle that Greenacre has been leading in recent months, as well as a number of serious health conditions she is currently suffering with – saying she describes herself as a “timebomb”.

Mr Sorrell also told magistrates that shortly before the defendant’s six thefts, she was informed that her father had died – before she was later informed that he was still alive.

“I don’t know if that had any impact on her state of mind and caused her to offend, but it might have,” he said.

Upon being probed by lead magistrate Louise Barber as to why she committed the six thefts, Greenacre admitted: “I did it to sell them.”

She was subsequently ordered to pay compensation for all of the items she stole, and was fined £30.

She will also pay £45 in legal costs and a £72 victim surcharge.