A HOMELESS woman stole a drill and sold it on on the same day to fund her drug habit, a court heard.

Debra Dunn, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft and fraud by false representation at Salisbury magistrates’ court on Friday (September 29).

Prosecuting, Kate Prince said the manager of Mainly’s in Castle Place, Trowbridge, was made aware of a theft that had taken place on July 15.

After checking the CCTV he identified Dunn, 37, stealing a drill, worth £55.

Police made enquiries at Cash Generators in Trowbridge, who confirmed Dunn had been into the store and sold the drill to them for £20.

In interview Dunn, who has 10 previous convictions for theft, said she had stolen the drill because she “needed the money”.

Defending, Moses Uzodinma-Tawo said Dunn was now “embracing whatever help was out there for her”.

He said there had been “a total turnaround in her approach and attitude to life” and said Dunn now “fully engages” with probation workers and had quit drugs “cold turkey”.

Mr Uzodinma-Tawo said: “She has come a long way and I can confidently say on her behalf that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Magistrates told Dunn: “It’s good to hear you are taking responsibility for your own life, and stopped taking drugs, and it’s important that this continues.”

Dunn must complete five drug rehabilitation days as part of a six month community order.

She must also pay £20 compensation to Cash Generators, £85 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.