Hayley Davis, 24, was one half of a two-person shoplifting team responsible for stealing thousands of dollars worth of clothing from two Stockland Shellharbour stores in the space of a couple of hours on April 22 this year.

Davis, together with her then-housemate Skie Crocker, 36, raided City Beach and General Pants Co, stealing a combined $2300 worth of clothing. Each time their bag was full, the pair would return to their vehicle, empty the contents into the car then go back inside to steal more items.

During a subsequent search at the women’s house, police discovered several journals with ledgers of names and “shopping lists” of clothing items in particular sizes, showing the pair stole on request then on-sold them to friends.

In court on Friday, Magistrate Mark Douglass sentenced Davis to 18-months’ jail, with a non-parole period of six months.

The sentence was back-dated to start in April, when Davis was first taken into custody, meaning with time served, she’ll be released on parole on Monday.

Magistrate Douglass noted Davis’ actions were part of an “orchestrated set of activities” and the amount stolen by both women was not insignificant.

“Shoplifting should not be seen as trivial; it happens across the state and the cost to businesses is passed on to members of the public,” he said.

“We all pay a hefty price for such matters of dishonesty.”

In a handwritten letter tendered to the court, Davis apologised for her actions, saying trauma from childhood, the death of her sister and a “toxic” relationship all contributed to her descent into drug use.

“I am disgusted and very disappointed by my actions and how my life has gone into such a downward spiral and put me in the position I am today,” she said.

“In 2016 I entered into a toxic relationship marred by domestic violence and drug use. I started stealing so I could support myself and my partner’s habit at the time.

“If I didn’t find a way of supporting our habit I was put in situations where I was being threatened and hurt by my partner. I felt at the time it was my only choice.”

She said she hoped to begin studying when released and ultimately wanted to help young people not make the same mistakes she did.

“I am willing to do whatever it takes to change and make a difference not only in my life but also in the community,” she said.

April, 8, 2017: Police stop Davis and her then-partner driving near Stockland Shellharbour. The pair is found with $519 worth of stolen Coles meat in the boot of the car.

September 14, 2017: Davis steals $454 worth of baby clothes from Best & Less in Blacktown by hiding them inside green enviro bags. She walks out of the store without paying.

September 15, 2017: Davis again attends Best & Less at Blacktown, this time filling a trolley with $433 worth of clothing. She is recognised by a staff member, who takes hold of the trolley and addresses her by name. She flees the store empty-handed.

December 3, 2017: Davis intimidates a couple in the Stockland Shellharbour carpark when they drive into a parking spot. She tells them to move their car or she’ll “smash them”.

December 22, 2017: Police see Davis walking along a street in Warilla and decide to search her. They discover she’s in possession of three unopened bottles of perfume from Blooms The Chemist and $77 worth of Woolworths meat.

January 11, 2018: Davis goes into Best & Less in Wollongong. Ten minutes later she walks out with $149 worth of clothing she hasn’t paid for. She is apprehended by security staff.

February 23, 2018: Davis is found in possession of thousands of dollars worth of everyday items including groceries, toiletries, underwear and makeup. It’s unknown where they came from but police suspect they were obtained illegally.