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A DEVIOUS teenage drug addict attempted to steal from a popular bar in the centre of St Albans when it was heaving with customers, a court heard.

Fiona Harmer of Russell Avenue, St Albans fancied more than just a drink when she visited the Waterend Barn in St Peters Street on Saturday, March 29.

St Albans Crown Court heard how she and a friend made their way into the staff room at the busy night spot, shortly after they arrived at the venue at 9pm, stealing a set of car keys, a mobile phone and the duty manager's wallet.

Harmer, 19, was sentenced after she had pleaded guilty to burglary, possessing a bladed article and common assault on a police officer at an earlier hearing.

Prosecutor David Chrimes told the court how the defendant and a young female accomplice were spotted in the staff room by a new employee who was unsure whether they were other workers.

The door to the room was clearly marked private and when the pair walked out the woman decided to check her property.

She discovered her car keys and a mobile phone were missing and alerted the duty manager, who found his wallet had disappeared.

Harmer and her associate, who stole drink from the store room, were tracked down on CCTV.

The defendant was then detained by staff until the police arrived but the other woman, who has not been caught or identified, escaped.

As Harmer was being led away by police she managed to discard a large kitchen knife that had been hidden down her trousers.

It was at St Albans Police Station as she was being booked into the custody area that she became abusive and assaulted an officer hurting her nose and upper lip.

Henry Hughes, defending, said his client had been introduced to drugs at the age of 13 by a member of her own family.

In her teens she had become an addict but was now trying hard to rebuild her life.

Judge Stephen Warner sentenced Harmer to a two-year community order during which time she will be under the supervision of the probation service. She was also ordered to do a year-long drug rehabilitation course.

She was also told she will be under a curfew for the next four months to remain indoors between 7pm and 6am.

2:22pm Friday 9th May 2008

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