Serial shoplifter locked up

A woman whom social workers previously feared was “going to kill herself” as a result of her drug addiction was jailed for a total of 12 months at Perth Sheriff Court.

Joanne Mayor, whose re c o rd o f p re v i o u s convictions stretches back more than 16 years, was told by Sheriff Gillian Wade that prison was the only option available.

That would give her a chance to address the substance misuse that had “blighted her life”.

The period in Cornton Vale would provide some “stability” to enable her to continue with her methadone programme.

Thirty- four- year- old Mayor, formerly of Sauchie Terrace, Crieff, was appearing for sentence on shoplifting charges. She stole a £16 top from Next, in Perth’s High Street, on April 29 - and helped herself to £28-worth of cosmetics from Boots the same day.

She also admitted stealing a quantity of clothing from the Primark store in Perth on May 8, while subject to an undertaking to appear at the Perth court the following day.

In addition, she breached an order banning her from the city’s High Street other than to attend pre-planned social work appointments.

Mayor, who has been living in the Greyfriars Hostel in Perth’s Princes Street, had been remanded in custody from last month while background and psychiatric reports were prepared.

The serial shoplifter had been given a six- month prison sentence last November after stealing £88 from Sizzlers takeaway. The court heard that she was on three bail orders at the time.

Depute fiscal Rebecca Kynaston said Mayor was subject to a Community Payback Order at the time but those supervising her were “extremely concerned” for her welfare.

Sheriff Wade backdated the latest custodial sentence to May 9 when Mayor was remanded.