Security snare H&M thief fleeing The Potteries Centre

Shoplifter Nicola Baskeyfield has been handed a 12-month conditional discharge. The 42-year-old was seen selecting a large quantity of clothing from H&M, in The Potteries Centre, in Hanley, at 5pm on February 28.

But she left without paying, security staff detained her, the goods worth £96 were recovered, and she was arrested.

Baskeyfield, of Vale Street, Stoke, pleaded guilty to shop theft when she appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre. This latest offence placed her in breach of a 12-month conditional discharge she received on December 12 for theft.

Paige Morgan, mitigating, said Baskeyfield is also subject to a 12-month community order. She has self-referred herself to Stoke-on-Trent Community Drug and Alcohol Service and is seeking help for her issues with drugs. Miss Morgan added that at the time of the offence Baskeyfield was in a difficult relationship but it has now ended.

Magistrates ordered Baskeyfield to pay £85 costs and a £26 surcharge.

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