A WOMAN has avoided prison after handling stolen tablets from a nursery and stealing hundreds of pounds worth of alcohol from a supermarket to fuel her drug habit.

Adele Fowles, of Chester Road in Northwich, was handed a suspended sentence at Crewe Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (September 1) after being told it was 'time to move on' from drugs.

Prosecutor Ms Battle-Kennedy said on June 21, the 38-year-old was seen handling stolen goods in Northwich – Huawei computer tablets belonging to Hartford Old School Nursery.

This was for the benefit of a co-accused, who was previously sentenced for his role in the offence.

The court heard how Fowles was seen with the co-accused holding a bag which the tablets were in.

Ms Battle Kennedy added that on August 9, Fowles stole £237.50 of alcohol from Booths Supermarket in Knutsford.

The court was told how the defendant was detained in the store and security staff recognised her from when she had stolen alcohol on two previous occasions.

This included £187.50 of alcohol stolen on July 30 and £217.50 the day after.

Fowles' offending meant she was in breach of a conditional discharge for two other theft offences.

Defending, Ms Lume, stressed how Fowles had entered an early guilty plea and stole the alcohol to fund her drug habit at the time.

The court heard how she has been getting help with Turning Point but her scripts had been reduced without her knowing, so she had been struggling.

In relation to the offence of handling stolen goods, Fowles said she did not realise what was in the bag and gave her co-accused back the items, but understands that by holding them she was being dishonest.

Ms Lume added how Fowles did not assist in that theft.

District Judge Sanders sentenced Fowles to 20 weeks, suspended for 18 months.

She was also made subject to a six month drug rehabilitation requirement, 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days and must pay £405 compensation to Booths.

District Judge Sanders added: "This really is your opportunity to put drug use and alcohol use behind you.

"You are 38. It's time to move on."