A WOMAN has appeared in court accused of child abduction.

Jenna Dougan, of Stewart Street, Barrow, pleaded guilty to theft, possession of a Class B drug and child abduction at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

The court heard in December 2020, Dougan abducted a child who was under the age of 16.

The child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had told their father that they were staying at a friend’s house.

However, when the father turned up to the address and realised their child was not present, police were notified and the missing child was later found at Dougan’s property.

Dougan also pleaded guilty before magistrates to possessing Class B drug amphetamine.

Additionally, the 33-year-old pleaded guilty to theft.

The court heard that Dougan, had recently suffered with a broken arm and taken medication that she struggled to get off.

On 22nd December 2020, Dougan and accomplice Jonathan Griffiths, stole £91.90 worth of stock from B&M in Barrow.

The thieving duo robbed items including a bobble hat, perfume, gift set and phone charger.

Authorities were able to recover £30 of goods stolen from B&M.

Dougan, who has one previous conviction for the same offence in 2019, was slapped with a £210 fine, which includes £30 in compensation to the shop.

She was also handed an eight week curfew, starting this week, and will be required to stay at home from 6pm in the evening until 6am in the morning.

Griffiths, of Ramsgate Crescent, Walney, was handed a £199 fine after appearing in court on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old, who has been on a community order since December 2020, will also pay £30 to B&M.

He has nine previous convictions and 12 offences, one of these being theft in 2005.

Defence solicitor Mr Michael Graham told the court that his client has a “limited recollection” of the day.

“There is no rhyme or reason for this,” said Mr Graham.

He continued to say: “He has a limited recollection of the event as he might have been drinking at the time.”