A couple stole baby milk and groceries from a Co-op store in Dartford to fund their drug addiction. The pair, Karen Higgs and Mark Driver, both heroin users, took the items after running out of money. They later sold the goods to buy drugs.
Higgs, 47, and Driver, 52, both had previous shoplifting convictions and were on conditional discharges at the time of the theft. The incident occurred earlier this month at the Co-op on Colney Road, Dartford.
The pair were identified through CCTV footage and were charged with shoplifting. At Medway Magistrates’ Court on February 11, both pleaded guilty to the theft and breaching their conditional discharges.
Driver had recently been given a 24-month conditional discharge for shoplifting in January 2025, while Higgs had received a 12-month discharge in October 2024. Driver, who has over 75 convictions, had previously stolen nearly £30 worth of chocolate from a Co-op in Dartford.
Prosecutor Rajni Prashar explained that on February 4, Higgs and Driver entered the Co-op, filled bags with baby milk and groceries, and left without paying. CCTV footage captured the theft, and the couple was identified by a staff member and later arrested by police on February 10.
“The offence is aggravated by their previous convictions and failure to comply with court orders,” Prashar said.
Higgs’ defense lawyer, Sara Haroon, explained that the 47-year-old had struggled with addiction for 20 years, but had managed to stay out of trouble for two years until this recent relapse. Haroon said Higgs had faced a series of challenges, including losing her phone and having her benefits stopped, which led to depression and a return to drug use.
“She had no money and old associates gave her drugs. She sold the stolen goods to fund her drug habit, but she is now on track and seeking support,” Haroon added.
Both defendants, who are in a relationship but do not live together, have expressed remorse for their actions. They are supported by their families.
Due to their lengthy criminal records and breaches of conditional discharges, Judge Nicola Fleck ordered pre-sentencing reports for both Higgs and Driver. They were granted bail and will return to court for sentencing in the coming weeks.
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