Mum stole booze after covid hit her business

Desperate times led to woman shoplifting alcohol

A self-employed mum whose world collapsed during the pandemic has been shown mercy after she admitted stealing booze to mask her misery.

Linda Elliot, 53, turned to drink when her work and her income dried up during the business downturn caused by Covid-19.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard Elliot, of Bishopton, admitted responsibility for a string of shoplifting offences.

She appeared in the dock before Sheriff Lindsey Kooner where she pleaded guilty to stealing alcohol and groceries on August 25, 26, and September 14, last year from the Co-op in Paisley’s Greenock Road.

Procurator fiscal depute Kara Watt said the items stolen amounted to £175.50, however, there was “no recovery” of the goods.

Defence agent Tony Callahan urged the court to show his client mercy as she

“has never been in trouble before, bar a minor road traffic matter”.

He said: “These offences occurred over a few weeks when she felt so low.

“She had a successful business, but her world collapsed during the pandemic because she couldn’t maintain it.

“Her marriage also had difficulties.

“Alcohol had become a feature and this was exacerbated by her own health difficulties.

“There were difficulties with her business.

“Sh e is e x t remely embarrassed about what can only be described as an aberration.”

He asked the court to consider deferring sentence on her for a period of time so that she could “demonstrate this was, in fact, an aberration”.

Sheriff Kooner agreed with her lawyer and said she was prepared to defer sentence on Elliot to prove she could be of good behaviour.

She said: “Looking at the lack of a record, and the nature of the offence, and that these incidents have led to you being in the dock, it is likely you will not be in this position again.

“You will be ordained to appear in six months time, where there will be a good behaviour report when the case next calls.

“Ensure that the good behaviour report is clear.”

Elliot will next appear on October 4 for a review of her conduct.

She is extremely embarrassed about what can only be described as an aberration