A THIEF who visited a property despite being banned from doing so by a court has been punished.

Tabatha Gardner breached a community protection notice when she attended an address in West Stockwell Street, Colchester between March 9 and 11 and spoke to a man there.

The 30-year-old, of North Station Road, Colchester, then returned to the property on March 17 and 19.

Gardner admitted to Colchester Magistrates’ Court she had also stolen various items of clothing from Primark, in Lion Walk Shopping Centre, to the value of £64 on April 5.

Gardner also admitted breaching the community protection notice on three separate occasions.

She was made the subject of a restraining order until May 30, 2023, meaning she cannot attend the property in West Stockwell Street.

Gardner was also ordered to pay £299 in fines, a surcharge and costs.