Telford shoplifter sentenced over Christmas present stealing spree
A Telford woman with £10,000 of debts stole clothes and a thermal mug from big-name chain stores to give to her loved ones as Christmas presents, a court heard.
Maureen Bailey carried out the stealing spree at the Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and Primark stores in Telford Shopping Centre.
Bailey had been "thinking about Christmas" when she decided to take more than £100 worth of goods, which included two packs of boxers, clothing and a thermal mug, Telford Magistrates Court was told.
She was caught by security staff in Debenhams who then found items from the two other stores in her handbag and called the police.
Bailey, 57, from South Drive, Madeley, Telford, admitted three charges of theft from a shop on September 2 and was handed an 18-month conditional discharge when she appeared in court yesterday.
Mrs Kate Price, prosecuting, said: "The defendant is in £10,000 worth of debt and was thinking about Christmas.
"She entered the stores to steal for Christmas presents."
Bailey stole goods to the value of £54 from Debenhams, clothing to the value of £22.50 from Marks & Spencer and clothing to the value of £26 from Primark.
Mr Jamie Wade, for Bailey, told magistrates that all items stolen were recovered by the three stores.
He also told the court how Bailey had been suffering with alcoholism and depression in the past few years and was currently serving a 12-month community order with supervision and alcohol treatment.
She was ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.
