Prolific Colchester alcohol thief sent to prison

Sancha Corby stole from shops across Colchester over a two month period despite serving a suspended sentence previously imposed upon her for past thefts.

The 25-year-old, of North Station Road, Colchester, has now been sent to prison for a year as a result of her crimes.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard how Corby’s latest spree of offences began on February 6 when she stole steaks and salmon worth an eyewatering £230 from a Co-op.

On February 15 she then stole three Yankee Candles to the value of £90 from The Hythe Pharmacy, Hythe Quay, before taking chocolates, super noodles and other foods from a Co-op totalling £140 in value.

The following month, on March 29, she returned to a Colchester Co-op and stole eight bottles of wine amounting to £90.

It was in April when her most audacious crimes were committed, however, during two separate raids which began when Corby stole two bottles of Jack Daniels, one Courvoisier and six packets of Lemsip Max.

She then returned later that day, on April 1, to take four bottles of Absolut vodka, two bottles of Bell, one Courvoisier and one Monkey Shoulder.

Both thefts from the Co-op totalled £291 in value.

Corby’s final crime was committed on April 4 when she stole five bottles of spirits, to the value of £122.50, from the Co-op.

Castle ward councillor Mark Goacher said support is available for residents struggling financially.

He said: “Obviously I condemn the thieving, that’s unacceptable, but the person concerned obviously needs help.

“I would very much like to see this person get all the support they need because it sounds like a desperate situation.”

Corby admitted six counts of theft after Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard how she had taken £918.50 worth of goods during her spree of offences.

As a result, she was sent to prison for one year after the crimes were committed while she was serving a suspended sentence.

She must also pay a £156 surcharge.