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Vodka thief given probation

Sep 18, 2017 | 2:00 PM

A 27-year-old woman was ordered to take a shoplifting program after she loudy told store employees and patrons she planned to steal a bottle of vodka.

Joanne Merva Karlee Morin pleaded guilty to a theft charge this morning in connection with an incident from the afternoon of Aug. 22. Crown Prosecutor Gail Douglas said police were called to a local liquor store after Morin grabbed a bottle of vodka from a shelf and boldly announced her intention to steal it.

“She held the bottle high and yelled ‘I’m taking this,’” Douglas said.

Morin left the store with the ill-gotten bottle and consumed a portion of it before dropping the rest and leaving the scene, Douglas said. She then headed to the Prince Albert Correctional Centre where she created a disturbance. Douglas said staff at the correctional centre believed Morin to be on drugs, and handed her over to the city police.