by Hayley Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

A carnival princess who vowed to turn her life around after she was given an ASBO has appeared in court on theft charges.

In March, the Sittingbourne Messenger reported how 18-year-old Rachael Booker-Pook wanted to change after she was given a two-year anti-social behaviour order (ASBO).

Miss Booker-Pook, who has appeared before Sittingbourne Magistrates' Court charged with theft by an employee, had already been dropped by Sittingbourne Carnival Association.

She allegedly stole £132.60p from the Magic Wok, East Street, Sittingbourne, on August 23.

She pleaded not guilty and chose to stand trial before a jury at crown court.

Miss Booker-Pook, of Watling Place, Sittingbourne, was released on bail and her case was adjourned until Tuesday, December 14, for a committal hearing.

She will also answer two further charges after she failed to attend her first court appearance on October 12 and to surrender to a warrant issued for her arrest on the same day.

Under the terms of the ASBO Miss Booker-Pook must not enter The Forum Shopping Centre or be in a group of more than three people under the age of 21 which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress in or near the town centre.

A 17-year-old boy has also been charged with theft by an employee.

He has denied the charge and is due to reappear at Sittingbourne Magistrates' Court for committal to crown court on December 14.

Sittingbourne Carnival Association, which selected Miss Booker-Pook as one of two princesses to represent the town at carnivals and functions, vowed to stand by her when her ASBO hit the headlines.

But chairman Pam Griggs revealed the association had let her go as she was 'unreliable'.