AN ISLE of Wight woman was caught stealing alcohol ‘to survive and fund her alcoholism’ after being stopped by police outside Marks and Spencer.

Zoe Davies, of no fixed abode, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, July 23.

The 43-year-old admitted theft from a shop in Newport, on May 8, and failure to surrender to court bail, on July 19.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, said a warrant had been issued for Davies’ arrest when she failed to attend her court hearing the week before.

The court heard she was homeless, lost track of days, and voluntarily surrendered after learning a warrant had been issued.

Ms Miller said on May 7, Davies was stopped by police on an unrelated matter outside Marks and Spencer, and officers queried whether the items inside two large bags she was holding had been paid for.

CCTV footage showed Davies had left the store without paying, and the total value of items taken was approximately £80.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Davies suffered with mental health issues from trauma early in her life.

He said she was homeless at the time, having problems with her benefits, and was stealing out of necessity to survive and supply her alcohol dependency issues.

Mr Vincent described it as a low value theft and said the goods were recovered swiftly.

Davies was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and fined £40 with costs of £85 and a £16 surcharge.