Woman steals butane cans from Whanganui supermarket

Whanganui District Court

"Desperate addiction" led Chanel Robinson to stealing butane cans from the Countdown supermarket on Taupo Quay in Whanganui.

Robinson pleaded guilty to two charges of shoplifting and two charges of wilful trespass when she appeared in the Whanganui District court on Wednesday.

One of the shoplifting charges related to Robinson being found on St Hill St on April 20 consuming butane she had stolen from Countdown on Taupo Quay.

Lawyer Richard Leith said Robinson had obvious addiction issues and was "struggling at the moment".

He said Robinson's partner had recently been imprisoned and she has been in a vulnerable state.

Judge Philip Crayton said it was a significant addiction issue she would get supervision "

"rather than getting her into a cycle of coming back to court and diffiuclties that causes".

"I understand from everything that's been put before me that you have significant issues and I hope they are being addressed," he said.

"It's up to you to take advanatge of the assisstance you will be offered. If you don't I think you can anticipate you will be going to prison. It is a matter in your control.

Robinson was sentenced to 12 months supervision and ordered to pay reparations.