A recovering drug addict stole more than £150 worth of goods from a store after her friend suggested she shoplift.

Lisa Baker, who has previous convictions for theft and drugs, stole four beef roasting joints, four packets of washing detergent and a bouquet of flowers valued at £153.88 from the Sainsbury’s store in Tonbridge on February 24.

She was caught leaving the store and charged with shoplifting, but failed to show up for her first court appearance because she forgot the date of it.

A warrant was issued for her arrest and Baker, of Chestnut Close, Edenbridge, was arrested at her home on March 16.

The 44-year-old admitted shoplifting when she appeared before magistrates in Sevenoaks the next day.

James Nichols, prosecuting, said: “The goods were recovered.

She has similar previous convictions and has also been convicted of possession of drugs and her last shoplifting conviction was in 2023."

Sarah O’Leary, mitigating, told the court Baker was tested for drugs and gave a negative reading after her arrest.

She added: “She has struggled with drugs (in the past), but is managing that issue now she’s on a methadone script and has managed to stay out of trouble (until now).

“She was under the influence of alcohol and had been drinking with a friend, an acquaintance, and she suggested she take something and she stupidly took some things.

“She’s on benefits and has ADHD and depression and she forgot the date of the (first) court appearance so didn’t come and was picked up at her home address for not attending."

Magistrates told Baker she’d appeared in court many times before, but noted she was not under the influence of drugs when she committed the offence and said they could deal with the matter by way of a 12-month conditional discharge.

Chairman of the bench Jill Stephens added: “Keep going on the path (of not taking drugs).”

Baker was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £26 as well as £85 court costs and will pay what she owes the court at a rate of £20 a month.