Mum-to-be Sharon Theobald has won a court battle not to have her baby born in prison

Theobald, who is nearly seven months' pregnant, was jailed for six months for stealing more than £6,000 from work.

She appealed against the sentence as her health deteriorated after spending nine days behind bars.

Theobald, 32, of Bladon Close, Tiptree, became stressed, her blood pressure increased considerably and she suffered palpitations.

She was too ill to attend Basildon Crown Court for the hearing yesterday

Judge Daniel Worsley, sitting with two JPs, was sympathetic towards Theobald and allowed the appeal.

The jail term was replaced with an 18-month rehab order (formerly probation).

Prosecutor Craig Rush said Theobald was in a position of trust while working as an assistant manager at Clement Joscelyne furniture store in High Street, Brentwood.

Mr Rush said it was Theobald's job to bank the store's takings, but various sums went into her pocket over a three-month period this year.

The manager noticed bank slips had not been stamped and cash was unaccounted for.

When questioned by police, Theobald admitted six counts of taking the cash and promised to pay it back.

Her husband, who was also in poor health, claimed he would try to obtain a loan to repay the missing money.

The court heard that Theobald had not used the stolen cash to splash out on a lavish lifestyle but to pay normal household bills

Judge Worsley said: "This was not a sophisticated theft and she knew she was bound to be discovered sooner or later."

The judge added that he would like to have imposed a compensation order, but Theobald and her husband did not have the money.

Published Friday, December 13, 2002

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