AN ISLE of Wight woman was caught with a lock knife after stealing goods from the Co-operative while sleeping rough in Sandown’s derelict Ocean Hotel.

Zoe Davies, of no fixed abode, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, October 8.

The 43-year-old admitted theft from a shop, possession of cannabis, and possession of a knife in a public place, between September 9 and 22.

Prosecutor, Lauren McConnell, said staff at the Co-operative on High Street, Sandown, reported a regular shoplifter – Davies – stole food items to the value of £34.15.

She said police attended and Davies was arrested, and during a search, she was found in possession of a lock knife and a small quantity of cannabis.

Ms McConnell said Davies told officers she used the knife for opening tins and preparing food, and the cannabis was for personal use.

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The court heard Davies, who had 14 previous convictions for 23 offences, was subject of a 12-month conditional discharge for a previous shoplifting matter at the time of the offence.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said it was a small knife with a locking mechanism and Davies was seen clearly on CCTV stealing the food items.

He said the goods were taken in the context of her being homeless and motivated by necessity.

Mr Vincent said she was sleeping at the derelict Ocean Hotel in Sandown at the time.

The knife was not seen publicly and was not brandished, and Davies had since been referred to a women’s refuge away from the Island.

Davies saw her case adjourned to December 20.