A prolific Isle of Wight shoplifter, who committed 12 offences in less than six months, has avoided a jail sentence after magistrates determined that she could be managed in the community.

Amber Gagen, of Green Street, Ryde, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 9, and pleaded guilty to 12 charges of theft from a shop.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said the 24-year-old committed the thefts between November 6, 2023, and April 23 this year.

Ms Miller told the court these thefts were from shops including Sainsbury's Local in Ryde, Co-op in Ryde and Superdrug in Newport.

Superdrug in NewportSuperdrug in Newport (Image: Google Maps)

Court heard that most of the thefts were of an 'unknown value', with the most expensive known theft being £35.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client was an extremely vulnerable individual who suffered severe childhood trauma and unimaginable abuse growing up.

Gagen has substance abuse and alcohol dependency issues, and these addictions are an attempt to ‘blot out her past’, court heard.

Mr Vincent told the court Gagen’s pre-sentence report was one of the ‘saddest things’ he had ever read.

“Prison is not going to sort this out. The way to deal with her is in the community,” said Mr Vincent.

Magistrates agreed and handed Gagen a 12-month community order to include 20 rehabilitation days.

After some dispute in the court, totalling up the sum Gagen should pay in compensation to the businesses she stole from, £102.27 was agreed upon.