A DRUG addict who carried out a string of thefts at Malvern shops has been given a community order.

Gemma Graty admitted carrying out six thefts at shops across the town in just seven weeks.

At Worcester Magistrates Court, Leslie Ashton, prosecuting, said Graty stole a £19.50 bottle of Sarah Jessica Parker perfume on December 6.

Ms Ashton said the item was stolen when the 35-year-old selected the perfume and placed it in a bag on a pushchair, making no attempt to pay when she left.

When challenged the Kipling Close resident did not allow staff to check her bag but was caught on Boots CCTV, the court heard.

On January 13, Graty stole various food items worth £8.22 from the One Stop shop in Pickersleigh Road, hiding them in a jacket.

On January 23, Graty returned to the Boots store selecting an a NoNo electrical product, which Ms Ashton said was worth £250, and again left that store without offering payment.

The court heard three thefts were carried out on January 26.

Graty stole sandwiches and fizzy drinks without paying from Tescos in Malvern, cheese, coffee and butter worth £15.25 from the One Stop, and made a separate visit to the convenience store a few hours later to steal nappies worth £5.25.

A probation service report found Graty was taking crack cocaine daily, as she was struggling with depression and was using it as an escape.

The report found Graty was working with the drug recovery charity Swanswell to address her drug problem.

The service recommended Graty should be given a community order, but was unsuitable for unpaid work as she had a 15-month old child to care for.

Defending Garry Harper asked for Graty to be given the minimum financial penalty as she had no income.

Mr Harper explained the thefts were carried out to sell the items to raise money for drugs, and for everyday items she could not afford due to money spent on her addiction.

Mr Harper added her last offence was in 2016, and she had £110 in outstanding fines.

Magistrates handed Graty a 12 month community order, with 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and ordered she complete a drug rehabilitation requirement for six months to run concurrently.

Graty was also ordered to pay compensation to the shops for the items stolen, totalling £298.22.