A PONTYATES woman who went on a county-wide shoplifting spree to fund a heroin habit has avoided jail.

Appearing at Carmarthen magistrates for sentencing last Wednesday, Suzanne Alma Gravell, 30, of Maesglas had previously admitted to four counts of shoplifting, amounting to nearly £1,300 worth of goods.

Gravell had admitted stealing goods worth £240 from Llandovery's Somerfield store on June 24, goods worth £609.73 and £223.49 from Kidwelly's Co-operative store on July 1 and 3 respectively, and goods worth £224.35 from Carmarthen's Marks & Spencer store on July 7.

Gravell had been jointly charged on some of the offences with her partner Karl Benjamin Price, who had been dealt with separately.

Prosecuting, Gerald Neave said that Gravell and Price were stopped in Llandeilo on June 24 and were unable to produce receipts for goods, which included nine bottles of whisky, two bottles of vodka, a bottle of champagne, toilet rolls and nappies.

Theft

Gravell later admitted to the theft from the store. She also admitted to taking the goods from the Kidwelly Co-op on the two occasions after being caught on CCTV.

On July 7, Gravell was seen in Carmarthen's Marks & Spencer store strategically positioning a trolley full of alcohol close to the exit for the store, which was later wheeled out to a car by her partner.

Defending, Aled Owen said Gravell's drug abuse stemmed from her daughter suffering from a brain tumour.

He added that Gravell and her partner — who was sentenced in Llanelli — had recently started a drug rehabilitation order.

Mr Owen said that Gravell had a debt of some £1,000 with drug suppliers, who took money from her every week.

He added: "They are not the type of people who take no for an answer."

Gravell was sentenced to 26 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months.

She was also placed on a 12 month supervision order and was ordered to pay £300 compensation to the Kidwelly Co-op store.