A woman who turned to shoplifting after frittering away her benefit money on fruit machines.
Bernadette O’Sullivan, 51, was caught trying to leave her local supermarket with £155 worth of groceries.
O’Sullivan, of Shawfield Close, Fallowfield admitted stealing food from Sainsbury’s and was given a two-year conditional discharge with £85 costs.
Her lawyer said O’Sullivan had been gambling for 10 years but she was now seeking the help of Gamblers Anonymous.
Manchester magistrates court heard she had also been cautioned for theft in January.
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blizzard, Midlands (20/03/2010 at 10:26)
Bogey Roller, Manchester (20/03/2010 at 12:56)
Yes it was our money to start with.
citizen x, manchester (20/03/2010 at 15:01)
kelbag, Clayton (20/03/2010 at 17:27)
My loved one was in as bad a way and it wasn't until they were forced house bound that they broke the addiction. They were so bad at one point, although they didn't steal they did fake a mugging to try and explain where the money had gone. It wasn't until they were insistant they didn't want the police involved we realised what had happened.
I really do hope this lady gets the help she desperately needs and is strong enough to manage, it is a very hard road to come back from.
And before anyone has a go for her being on benefits, the lady is 51. Try getting a job at that age and you have next to no chance.
We don't know if she's always been on benefits so don't judge before you have the full facts.
andy waytomakeacomment, Greater Manchester (20/03/2010 at 23:51)