Retford: Woman stole shopping items that had already been bought from trolley

Jennifer Murdie pleaded guilty to six shop thefts in total at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on Friday 23rd January.

Murdie, who is employed as a cleaner, stole some cleaning items and a red mug from a trolley. She also stole some shampoo valued at £7.40 from Wilko and was caught on CCTV.

The court heard that Murdie took the items, which were recovered, from a trolley in the store. The items had been bought by a shopper who had left it.

It was said that Murdie has a history of dishonesty and a received a six-month conditional discharge in November 2014 - which she accepted she had breached.

Prosecuting, Ruth Snowdin, said: “She caught a bus into Retford and saw some bags of shopping and decided to steal them.”

“She was waiting at a bus station when a PCSO arrested her.”

“She made full and frank admission. She knew that it was a criminal offence.”

Murdie, of Swinton Copse, Newark, also carried out thefts from Poundstretcher, Works and Shoe Zone at Carolgate and Store Twenty One at The Square in Retford.

In mitigation, Simon King said: “She is a lady who has suffered from depression.”

“She has lost her mother and two brothers recently.”

“She hit rock bottom in December.”

The case was adjourned until Thursday 29th January so a probation report can be prepared.