Paid for goods in Tesco then put other items in bag

Tanya Bethel (31), Grove Hill, Banbridge, admitted the theft of clothing, cosmetics and baby products valued at £22.98 on October 17 last year.

She was fined £150 for the offence last Thursday at Banbridge Magistrates Court.

The court heard that around 12 noon police were called to Tescos on the Castlewellan Road, Banbridge, where the defendant had been detained on suspicion of theft.

She had paid for certain items but after leaving the till she went into the store and placed various items in a bag. She then left and was stopped by security staff.

A solicitor for Bethal said she had no excuse for her actions and described the offence as opportunistic. She had a previous relevant entry on her record.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, said this was the second time she had been caught for a theft offence.

He warned her of the severe consequences if she persisted in this sort of behaviour.

For the previous offence she had received a conditional discharge and Judge Copeland replaced this with a £150 fine.