Serial shoplifter warned she could face jail after perfume thefts

A serial shoplifter who relapsed into drug use and stole £280 worth of perfume is facing a jail sentence.

Isobel MacAllister, 38, of Burns Crescent, Dingwall had sentence deferred until February 28 at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday for a background report.

Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood said he wanted to see if there was an alternative to custody for MacAllister who he said “had six previous convictions for shoplifting.”

MacAllister admitted stealing two bottles of perfume from Boots in Eastfield Way in Inverness on August 16.

She also pleaded guilty to stealing another two bottles of perfume from Debenhams later that day.

Sheriff Fleetwood demanded to know why she had gone “back to old ways” and defence lawyer Pauline Chapman said it was related to drugs.

“She had a personal crisis and thought she had taken valium that day. But it was an unknown drug and her recollection of events is hazy.

“She also has difficulty with her memory having been involved in a serious road accident in 2008 which caused a stroke and memory loss.”