A MOTHER filled her shopping trolley until it was overflowing then left a Welshpool supermarket without paying for the items.

Christina Gallagher, 39, admitted a charge of theft from Tesco when she appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court this week.

Gallagher stole groceries and clothing worth around £400 from the town’s Tesco store on September 28, 2023.

“Dan Williams was the shift leader and was made aware of four females who had been through the self-service tills with items they had not paid for,” said prosecutor Helen Tench at court on Tuesday, September 3.

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“CCTV showed the defendant with another person; she filled the trolley to overflowing, then left without making payment.

“She was later arrested and said the items had been bought from other stores. But she had no receipts.

“CCTV showed them entering the store with empty bags and an empty trolley. The claim from Tesco is the items were valued at £400.”

Mrs Tench said Gallagher has previous convictions and, at the time, she was the subject of a suspended sentence order, although this was for a dissimilar matter.

That was a public order offence, for which she received a 12-week prison term – suspended for 12 months.

Gurleen Kaur, representing unemployed Gallagher, of no fixed abode, said: “She has seen the CCTV and pled guilty; she apologises.

“She doesn’t remember the day. She is on strong medication for spinal injuries.”

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She said the mother of twins had not been to prison before and was “terrified” at the prospect of being sent there.

“In terms of the breach, it’s for a dissimilar matter and a prison sentence would not be proportionate,” added Ms Kaur.

Magistrates fined Gallagher £120 and told her to also pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge. She will have to pay £100 compensation to Tesco.

The bench told her they were not activating the suspended sentence and fined her an additional £60 instead.