A CITY heroin addict with a 'formidable list of convictions' has been ordered to attend a rehabilitation centre for women.
Deborah Phillips, 37, of Ethelstan Crescent, appeared before Hereford Magistrates following a spate of thefts last summer - enabling her to continue her 19-year addiction to the class A drug.
She pleaded guilty to stealing a jacket worth £79.99 from TK-Maxx in the Maylord Shopping centre on July 13 and stealing an ornamental elephant from Chadds worth £49.95 on August 25.
The court heard that Ms Phillips is due to see a doctor for a methadone prescription to help her beat her habit.
Her solicitor, Adrian Rhead, said the medication may mean an end to a life of drug abuse. She had already significantly reduced her dependency on heroin.
Magistrates ordered her to serve two years probation on condition that she attends the women's programme. It is expected she will continue to co-operate with the DASH programme.
Ms Phillips will pay £49.95 compensation for the elephant. She returned the jacket to TK-Max security staff.
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