Whanganui woman was seen sniffing the contents of a butane lighter fuel can she had stolen from local store

Chanel Robinson was arrested by police for burglary after stealing four cans of butane and being observed sniffing the contents of one near a Whanganui store. Photo / Bevan Conley

A woman was found sniffing butane lighter fuel in a Whanganui store at the end of 2018.

Chanel Robinson stole four cans of the fuel, left the store and was observed sniffing the contents outside by families passing by.

Robinson was arrested by police shortly after.

She pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary in Whanganui District Court.

Lawyer Stephanie Burlace said that Robinson had alcohol and addiction issues.

"Through that December/January period there were a number of issues going on in her life that she wasn't coping well with," Burlace said.

"That's clearly reflected by what we're reading in the summary of facts, where she's not really even attempting to cover her tracks. It was almost a cry for help."

Judge Philip Crayton sentenced Robinson to 12 months' intensive supervision and ordered her to pay $13 reparation as three of the butane cans were recovered unopened.

"You're going to find yourself getting locked up because your history's starting to get problematic," Judge Crayton said.

"I understand that you have effectively relapsed when you've been under pressure and under strain. That's what happens unfortunately if you don't have the right support."