Upset lover stole beer cans

LESBIAN Debbie Featley decided to steal some beer after discovering that her lover had started a relationship with a man. She had just found out that her female partner of eight years had been cheating on her. Ely magistrates were told by solicitor Nick

LESBIAN Debbie Featley decided to steal some beer after discovering that her lover had started a relationship with a man.

"She had just found out that her female partner of eight years had been cheating on her." Ely magistrates were told by solicitor Nick Barnes. "She is a lesbian, and was upset by the discovery."

Featley, 26, of Laurel Close, Mepal, admitted stealing four cans of Special Brew from the Spar store in Ely High Street on April 12, and failing to attend court on May 22.

Prosecuting, Rachel Robinson said Featley went into the Spar store around 11.30am, and helped herself to four cans of strong lager from the cold store.

Staff reported the theft to management, and the police were informed. Staff looked at CCTV recorded in the premises, and stills were obtained and circulated.

Featley was identified, and she was arrested outside Ely courthouse on April 26.

After her arrest, Featley gave full and frank admissions, said Mr Barnes.

"She accepts she should have come to court on May 22, she and her mother suffered a viral infection," he explained.

Since the theft, Featley had been trying to stay out of trouble, and was seeking work, he said.

"In the past two weeks she had made 37 job applications, she was told she was over-qualified to be a leaflet distributor."

The magistrates gave Featley a 24-month conditional discharge and told her to pay £35 costs.