Walsall woman stole around 300 library books for 'form of escapism'
An ‘avid reader’ stole around 300 library books across five years as a ‘form of escapism’, a court heard.
Bespectacled thief Tracy Whittaker, from Great Wyrley, borrowed the books, worth in excess of £2,000, from various Staffordshire libraries between January 2012 and April 2017.
The 38-year-old, from Johns Lane, would remove the security tags and then go back to the libraries and scan them in to make it look they had been returned, Cannock Magistrates Court was told.
But there was no happy ending as ‘piles’ of books were recovered from her house.
Emma Thompson, prosecuting, said: "There was some sophisticated planning involved in this case over a long period of time.
"When she was arrested a large quantity of books were recovered and the estimated value is around £2,000 to £3,000.
"She made a full and frank admission to being an avid reader, who joined lots of different libraries and built up debts so would move to another library.
"Piles of books were recovered but I don't think we will find out the full extent. Around 163 books were taken from her property in the end."
The court heard that she had one previous conviction for fraud, involving cashing in £11,000 worth of scratch cards in December 2011.
A probation report stated that she had a history of depression and anxiety alongside relationship difficulties.
It was believed that the books were by particular authors in sets, that she enjoyed reading and they were a form of escapism.
Mark Holder, defending, said: "It is fair to say that the evidence in this case has come from the defendant herself.
"It would appear that there have been a number of issues in the background.
"She knows that what she did was wrong and this is a lady who is crying out for assistance from the probation service."
Whittaker was handed an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
She was ordered to pay £145 in costs and a £115 victim surcharge.
Chair of the bench, Cynthia Tipper, added: "This was a prolonged activity with a good degree of planning taking place throughout."
