A woman who stole jewellery and underwear from a shop to sell to fund her heroin addiction has been handed a conditional discharge in court.

Twenty-five-year-old Hayley Talman, of College Park, Neyland appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday, to plead guilty to an offence of shoplifting; and two charges of possessing heroin and cannabis.

Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that Miss Talman was observed in the Peacocks store in Milford Haven on May 13, placing items into her bags, and leaving without making and offer to pay for them.

Items including jewellery and underwear to the total value of £120 were taken, and when the defendant was arrested the following day, she was found to be in possession of 2.7 grams of heroin, and 1.8 grams of cannabis.

Defence solicitor Stuart John said that Miss Talman had outlined to him that she had been engaged with heroin use since she was eighteen years old after getting attached to a peer group and in a relationship with her partner who was also a heroin user.

“Very quickly her life spiralled out of control. On that day she stole the items, she had become to feel depressed and sought solace in the misuse of heroin, so she stole to fund her addiction.

“She is seeking help voluntarily, and attends counselling once a week with the dug and alcohol team, where she is regularly drug tested.

“Miss Talman acknowledges that she’s slipped up, but says that this is an isolated incident,” he added.

Magistrates handed the defendant a 24 month conditional discharge and ordered her to pay compensation of £120 to the Peacocks store.

She was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £20 victim surcharge.