Windermere woman carried out shoplifting offences after being spared jail

Carolyn Helen Ruth Brosnan's latest spate of offending was outlined at Carlisle Crown Court today.

Judge Peter Davies heard Brosnan, 44, received a 24-month suspended prison sentence in 2015.

Prosecutor Nicholas Flanagan told the court Brosnan went to see a male at Haverigg prison in August 2014. Staff became suspicious as she used a toilet in a secure area.

A condom found in her mouth contained drugs, including heroin and cocaine.

But Brosnan flouted the court order she was handed for that crime by shoplifting. She was given another, concurrent suspended prison term by a judge last September - but found herself in further trouble earlier this year.

"On five separate occasions the defendant has entered Booths in Windermere, selected items from the shelves and left without paying," said Mr Flanagan. The total value of her haul, which included champagne and spirits, was £413.50.

Brosnan was quizzed about these thefts, and Mr Flanagan said: "She made full admissions of the offending and explained she was swapping the alcohol for drugs which she was addicted to."

Brosnan pleaded guilty to five theft offences, which she committed between December 4 last year and March 20 this year.

The court heard Brosnan was a woman of good character until the age of 34.

Harriet Tighe, defending, said: "Unfortunately, she fell into the use of heroin and there was a downward spiral from there."

Attempts to gain support from drug recovery service Unity were successful. However, Brosnan's father, the court heard, had obtained funds for her to attend a detoxification course.

Hearing this, Judge Davies opted to defer passing sentence until July 28. Brosnan's progress will be assessed on that date.

"There are no further chances. It is up to you now," said the judge.

"If everything is to my satisfaction, you won't go to custody."

Brosnan, of Havelock Road, Windermere, was granted bail on a number of strict conditions.