[djshep27]

I was shopping with my cousin, her daughter and my nephew who is five years old. My cousin and her daughter waited in the car parked in front of the grocery store after she made her purchase. I was rushing to get my shopping done and to get them home.

My nephew had to use the bathroom. I proceeded to the front and passed the cashiers to find a washroom, and asked a clerk. It was upstairs. He said he didn't have to go anymore. There is a wine store in Loblaws and I went in quickly to purchase a bottle and my debt card reclined as I went over the limit, so I paid cash. I then asked the wine clerk where I could find the closest TD bank so I could purchase my items, as I only had a hundred dollars on me and wasn't enough to pay for all the items.

I was trying to reach my cousin with my cell but little reception and then text her. She didn't reply so I proceeded near the doors to get her attention and stepped out to wave to her. As I did this I was approached my two security guards and they charged me with shoplifting. I tried to explain my situation but they wouldn't listen and took me into the security room and called the police. One of them raised his voice and an aggressive manner while I was trying to explain, he frighten my nephew and he began to cry. I asked the guard if he had children if he could please lower his voice. I asked if my cousin could take him home and they her at the customer service desk, and she drove them home.

The security guard was throwing accusations and accusing me of lying and said he heard it all. He then went into another room where the police officer met with him and I could clearly hear their conversation and they were laughing at me. When they entered the room where I was sitting, I mention I could hear them and asked why they thought it was so funny as I did not think it was. They both replied that they know each other.

The security guard agreed he heard my nephew say over and over he had to use the bathroom bad, and that I began to rush more to finish my shopping and to find a washroom.
I am a vegetarian, so I separate the food using the new carrying bags. Some were divided and some in the cart. I have always done this and see others doing it as well, and never had a problem. He accused me of doing this so I could steal. There was nothing in my purse or jacket. It was all in the grocery cart.

I was shopping for my son who attends University in Montreal on a Football Scholarship. I planned to drive there the next day with groceries for him. He is an outstanding young man who has never been in trouble with the law. I am a Daycare provider and have been working with children for six years, before this I worked for the Ministry of Finance.

I play an important role as a mother and daycare provider for five children who have been in my care for the last six years. I appreciate and respect my job as a mom and daycare provider and now the importance of my roles. I also respect the law too and would never do such a thing. If I needed help I would go to my family or friends and would never resort to stealing. I also suffer from Vertigo, an inner ear problem which can cause me to feel light headed if I am over tired, or feeling too much stress. On this day I was rushed to get things done, concerned about getting them home as they needed the washroom and to eat, and I can not take my medication for this without food. I was feeling disoriented and just wanted to get out of there.

I now have to write an apology letter to the court, stating my side of the story and to reassure I am aware that stepping outside the doors, is theft by law and that is was not my intent. I have to make a $150 donation to any charity. Once this is done I will not have a criminal record.

My question is: Do I have to write in great detail what happen or just to state I understand and that is was a mistake, and will not happen again? This whole ordeal has really upset me and just want to get on with my life. I had an interview for another child and the mother had her police friend do a background check on me and I never heard from her again. This has affect me emotionally and now with my job. I do not want to make any mistakes in my letter that could cause concerns or questions.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Sincerely