A shoplifter stole items from Dealz because she couldn’t afford a birthday present for her daughter, a court heard.

Kelly Jean Crowe, of Laureston Terrace, admitted two counts of theft and was fined a total of £400.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, police were called to Dealz in Strand Street on April 18 after staff reported detaining 37-year-old Crowe.

Officers were told that Crowe had asked staff to help her find her four-year-old daughter.

However, once they had located the girl Crowe was seen taking a Chocolate Orange as she left the store.

She was stopped and also found to have taken some child’s shoes. The total value of the theft was £6.50.

Crowe then immediately confessed that she had also stolen some items from Boots chemist.

She admitted taking a box of Clairol hair dye worth £6.99 and a Fisher Price microphone costing £15 from the chemist.

In a police interview Crowe said she was struggling financially and wanted to get a present for her daughter’s upcoming birthday.

Advocate Rebecca Cubbon said: ’This is a slightly unusual set of circumstances. Ms Crowe has prompted officers that there has been a further offence. She has been extremely upfront and honest.

’As a single parent she does have limited means. She maintains it was not her intention to go into town to steal.

’She is extremely upset about the incident and wishes to apologise to the court and the store members.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ’The offence being committed in the presence of your four-year-old daughter sets a very poor example.’

Crowe was fined £250 for the Dealz theft and £150 for the one from Boots.