A JUDGE'S decision to jail a burglar despite her having breast cancer has been overwhelmingly supported by Worcester News readers, although there were some voices of dissent.

On Thursday, Judge Robert Juckes jailed Samatha Skipp for two years despite her defence lawyer pleading for mercy due to the 38-year-old being diagnosed with cancer and needing radiotherapy, surgery and possibly a double mastectomy.

Skipp, who was homeless but previously lived in Mealcheapen Street in Worcester, was involved in a pickaxe burglary with her 'career criminal' boyfriend at a family home in Worcester and stole a purse containing £45 from a volunteer at the city's hospital.

READ MORE: Judge jails burglar despite her having breast cancer

Sentencing Skipp at Worcester Crown Court, Judge Juckes said medical treatment was available to people in prison and told her she represented 'a very poor risk for a non-custodial sentence' due to her history of addiction and offending.

Judge Juckes also said that not jailing Skipp would be 'understandably subject to criticism from those who have suffered as a result of dishonesty, and it's not even likely it would pay off'.

The judge's tough stance was welcomed by most Worcester News readers.

Posting on our Facebook page, Rachel Ann said: "I’m sad to hear she has cancer, but she has done wrong. I agree for her to serve time in prison. She will still get treatment for her cancer."

Sue Hyde added: "Very sad story but she isn't really that innocent when she has stolen more than once. She will still get her treatment. It will just cost the taxpayer more now as she will have to be escorted to and from jail."

Chris Cutting said: "Playing the feel sorry for me card. Tragic you have it but feel more sorry for your victims. I'm guessing you'd have carried on burgling. Prison for you definitely."

But some readers questioned the decision to jail Skipp when other offenders were not. Jon DP Shaw wrote: "Yet you give a nonce talking to a 12 year old for sexual purposes a suspended sentence."

While Pepsipop, commenting on the Worcester News website, wrote: "Medical staff at prisons are not specialised cancer nurses. During and after treatments she will need to be monitored very closely as side effects from chemo and radiotherapy can be complex and effect the patient very quickly."