A 40-year-old woman has admitted three shoplifting offences.

Danielle Martinez stole from Holland and Barrett twice and Marks and Spencer once in just over two weeks.

She will be sentenced on September 15, after a probation report has been prepared.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that Martinez went to Holland and Barrett on August 21.

She was browsing items for around 20 minutes, and CCTV viewed later, showed her putting OMG Matcha tea, butterscotch drops, and Wellman vitamins, valued at £65, into her bag.

She paid for some other items at the cash till, but not the ones in her bag.

On August 26, Martinez returned to the store and was recognised by staff.

Police were called and when they searched her, they found more OMG Matcha tea, valued at £42.95, concealed.

On September 6, Martinez went to Marks and Spencer and put lemon yoghurts, butterscotch sweets, tomatoes, and newspapers into her trolley.

She covered the items with a newspaper, then went to the checkout and paid for other items, but not the covered items.

Staff followed her and stopped her outside.

The stolen items were valued at £35.

When interviewed, Martinez said it had been a coping mechanism for mental health issues.

In court, Martinez, who lives at Peel Road, Douglas, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft, and one count of attempted theft.

Ms Carroon said that a letter had been received from the Adult Safeguarding Team, which she forwarded to Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood.

Martinez was represented in court by duty advocate Louise Cooil, who said that the defendant was receiving assistance from mental health services, and had a lot going on as she was a carer for her mother.

Ms Cooil said that the defendant may benefit from input from probation.

Bail has been granted.