A WOMAN who took part in a “campaign of thefts” stole stock worth more than £1,300 from a BP store in Basildon.

Keira Baugh, 41, of no fixed abode, admitted twelve thefts from the BP store in East Mayne.

She committed the acts between January and May this year and was also charged with assaulting a police officer and criminal damage in March and June respectively On Friday at Basildon Crown Court Stephen Page, prosecuting, said: “On March 31 at around 7.37pm a police officer was on duty and attended Basildon Bus Station to reports of a fight.

“The officer approached Miss Baugh who was drunk, she was agitated and moved towards the officer who asked her to step back, pushing her away three times.

“After the third push the defendant spat at the officer with saliva landing on his left arm and saliva spray going over his face with some landing in his mouth. The officer said he felt disgusted after the incident and found the act vile.”

Whilst in holding cells on June 5, Baugh spat at the cell windows and was charged for criminal damage to property.

Mr Page added: “This was a campaign of theft taking items valued at £1349.70.”

Tomm Dominguez, mitigating, said: “Miss Baugh tells me she does not drink until excess anymore. She had a glass of wine before court to calm her nerves.

“I know heroin played a part in this defendant’s offending and she has not touched the drug in a good few years.

“She has removed herself from the area as she was provided emergency accommodation as a victim of domestic violence, she has now moved to the north of the county.”

Recorder Osborne oversaw the hearing in Basildon Crown Court.

He said: “It is blindingly obvious to this court that you have a long standing history of problems with both alcohol and drugs.

“The pre-sentence report of your background is quite sad as you were the subject of domestic violence and no doubt endured an abusive life which must have contributed to your addiction. Ultimately your own behaviour is affecting other people by stealing from businesses and coming into violent contact with those who are to protect the public.”

Baugh was handed an 18-month community order for the assaults and thefts, ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activity and banned from the BP store for 18 months.

She was also fined £150 for criminal damage.”