A WOMAN from Abergele with an “unenviable criminal record” has been spared jail after stealing from shops in Prestatyn and Llandudno.

Catherine Doyle, 44, of Maes Canol, was today (August 13) sentenced to four months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year, at Caernarfon Crown Court (sitting at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court).

She had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of theft from a shop.

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The court heard that, on June 3, Doyle was caught on CCTV stealing from the Trespass store in Llandudno, taking the security tags off two items of clothing before placing them in a bag and leaving without paying for them.

On July 15, Doyle stole two mini Versace gift sets from Superdrug in Prestatyn, worth a total of £54; though, this time, she handed them back after being approached by staff outside the store.

Doyle committed these thefts while subject to a suspended custodial sentence she received in January at Liverpool Crown Court, for conspiracy to supply a class A drug.

She had 73 previous convictions for 142 offences, including 74 offences of theft and similar matters since 1995, and 18 offences of fraud.

Representing Doyle, John Wyn Williams admitted she “hasn’t helped herself”, and has lived a life “blighted by drugs”.

But, Mr Wyn Williams said, she has a “glimmer of hope”.

Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees told Doyle that her criminal record “should be to your dying shame”.

In addition to imposing a second suspended sentence upon her, Judge Rees ordered Doyle to complete a 35-day “thinking skills” programme, and 10 days’ rehabilitation activity.

He added to her: “It’s about time that you put your life in order. It’s about time that you added some thought to your life and your behaviour.

“I’m making it very clear to you that if there’s a hint of you not turning up, or not abiding by these requirements, then as night follows day, I or some other judge will send you to prison.

“You’ve had the last opportunity, as far as I’m concerned. There is to be no leeway with this defendant in any way at all.”

Doyle will also pay a statutory surcharge.