Woman used '˜bag for life' during store theft

Dawn Marsden took goods valued at £42 from Morrison’s, in Clarence Road, Hartlepool, the town’s magistrates’ court heard.

Alison Howey, prosecuting, said: “She was seen to put items in a bag for life she was carrying, before walking out of the store.

Ms Marsden was followed out by a security guard, who detained her while police were called. She told the police she had no idea why she had taken the items.”

Marsden, 36, of Rugby Street, Hartlepool, admitted theft on February 14. The court heard she has previous convictions for similar offences.

John Relton, defending, said in mitigation: “This was an opportunist offence with no apparent motive.

“It is likely Ms Marsden’s judgment was impaired by the amount of alcohol she consumes, which is a big feature of her life.”

Marsden was given a conditional discharge for six months, and ordered to pay £100 costs.