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Jail time for woman who stole to keep warm

Wed, 11 Feb 2015

A Ramsey woman who stole coal and logs in order to keep warm last year has been handed a five week prison sentence. 

24-year-old Keely Watterson pleaded guilty to one count of theft from December 27th - along with another man she stole the items from the Co-op on Christian Street.

All of the items were later recovered at a property in the town - during police interview she said there was no heating or hot water and the pair were trying to light a fire.

At Douglas Courthouse yesterday Watterson also pleaded guilty to one public order offence stemming from her behaviour after being arrested.

She was said to be extremely "disruptive" and threatening and abusive to three female police officers who tried to restrain her in a cell - she also bit one of the officers' hands.

Representing her, her advocate said whilst any theft was inexcusable this hadn't been a "mean offence" but admitted her language in front of police later was "appalling".

Sentencing her Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said whilst she appreciated she was going through difficult personal circumstances it didn't in any way excuse her behaviour. 

Watterson, who after arrest was originally remanded at the Isle of Man Prison, has already served the sentence for theft - she was also fined £500 for the second charge as well as £125 in costs.

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