Sunderland mum embarked on 'out of character' shoplifting spree

Margaret Powell, 39, pinched over £1,000 of stock in targeting Home Bargains’ store in Trimdon Street, Millfield, three times, a court heard.

Powell, of Cato Street, Southwick committed her fourth and last offence by swiping £87 of stock from Tesco’s outlet at Roker Retail Park.

She struck first by taking £385 of various items from Home Bargains on Friday, October 17, prosecutor Jade Houston said.

And she returned on each of the next two days – taking £378 and £312 of mixed goods, respectively.

Powell then switched tack on Monday, October 20, by entering Tesco’s superstore and making off with various items.

But she was stopped at her car by police and confessed the pinched stock was in the boot, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.

Ms Houston said: “The defendant was spoken to by police officers on October 20.

“She informed them that stolen items from Tesco were in the boot.

“CCTV from Home Bargains showed her placing multiple items in her car.”

Powell pleaded guilty to four counts of theft from a shop. She has a single theft conviction from 2002.

David Forrester, defending, said: “She is somewhat at a low ebb. I think a bereavement has put her over the edge.”

District Judge Zoe Passfield sentenced Powell to a 12-month community order, with 12 rehabilitation days.

The judge ordered her to pay compensation of £1,077 to Home Bargains, the items from Tesco having been recovered by police.

She imposed no costs or victim surcharge.