Homeless teenager fined after stealing food twice from Penrith Home Bargains
An 18-year-old woman who was homeless when she twice stole food and other items from Home Bargains in Penrith has been fined.
Kara, admitted two thefts from the Ullswater Road store when she appeared before magistrates at Rickergate court in Carlisle.
The offences happened on January 6 and March 26.
Tallentire, who gave a care-of address in Ainstable, was fined £40. She was also ordered to pay £18.96 compensation to Home Bargains, £85 in court costs and a £16 victim surcharge.
The total amount she must pay is £159.96.
Gin and food taken during first theft
Prosecutor Diane Jackson told the court that Tallentire entered the store shortly before 8pm on January 6 with two other people.
Tallentire selected a sandwich and concealed it behind her back while another person placed it inside a rucksack.
She then took two bottles of gin and a bottle of lemonade.
The court heard that she hugged one of the other people so the bottles could also be hidden.
The group then left the store without attempting to pay for the items.
Pork scratchings and lip balm stolen in March
Tallentire returned to the same Home Bargains store on March 26 with two other people, who were not identified in court.
During the second visit, she took pork scratchings and lip balm.
She concealed the items inside her jacket before leaving the shop without paying.
Tallentire pleaded guilty to both thefts and represented herself during the hearing.
She told magistrates: “I know I shouldn’t have done it and I’m sorry.”
Teenager said she had been homeless since January
The court heard that Tallentire had no previous convictions.
She said she had been homeless since January and did not have a permanent place to live.
Tallentire told the court that she had stayed with friends and her mother at different times, but had also slept outside.
She said the only official support she was receiving came through her Universal Credit team.
Magistrates took account of her guilty pleas and personal circumstances before imposing the fine and compensation order.
The court did not impose a community order or custodial sentence.
Tallentire must now pay £18.96 to cover the value of the goods stolen from Home Bargains, alongside the fine, costs and surcharge.
