Shoplifter caught stealing booze

A shoplifter caught stealing from a supermarket was also found in possession of pinched items from a smaller store, a court heard.

Magistrates were told jobless Lynsey Doeg, 36, of Cramlington Road, Hylton Castle, Sunderland, and a pal entered Sainsbury’s at Washington's Galleries shopping centre on Tuesday, January 7.

They were seen by security staff who monitored their movements, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.

When Doeg was stopped and searched after leaving, three bottles of Gentleman Jack whiskey, sold by Sainsbury’s and valued at £110, were found.

Security staff also uncovered goods, including conditioner and washing liquid, priced at £40 from Spend ‘N’ Save, another Galleries outlet, in Doeg’s bag.

Prosecutor Keith Laidlaw said: “Security staff notice that the goods had been transferred to a Sainsbury’s bag, and they left the store. She was held by staff outside the store and police arrived.

“When they checked through the goods in the bag, there was also coffee, Persil Bio and other items that had been stolen from Spend ‘N’ Save. All items were recovered.”

Chris Wilson, defending, said: “She makes an erroneous decision to steal. All property has been returned, it was of relatively low value.

“Unfortunately, on this occasion there has been an error of judgement on her behalf and she committed this offence.”

Magistrates sentenced Doeg, who admitted two charges of theft from a shop, to a 12-month conditional discharge and told her to pay £85 court costs and a £21 victim surcharge.