Two women have been given a suspended prison sentence for stealing groceries from Morrisons supermarket in Welshpool.

Kathleen Power, 57, and Kathleen Stokes, 55, both of Leighton Arches, were found guilty following a trial at Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Monday, September 9.

The pair were given a 12-week custodial sentence which was suspended for 12 months because of their underlying medical conditions and magistrates felt that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Both women said they would appeal their conviction.

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Prosecutor Helen Tench told the court that Power and Stokes selected items and placed them into a trolley during a visit on September 10, 2023.

"Kathleen Power paid for some items but the majority were not paid," she said. "Both took two items to the kiosk and paid for those only and left without paying £60.

"Store security was alerted by staff that the defendants didn't pay for the trolley items. CCTV footage showed them placing various food items into bags."

Robert Hanratty, defending Power and Stokes, told the court: "Mrs Power would like to apologise to have overcome with feelings at the end of the trial and certain remarks about bias."

He added: "This is a low value offence. Your colleagues found some degree of planning; they thought of it before going rather than spontaneously while in there.

"They are banned from the shop in Welshpool. They have paid the price for this demeanour.

"They are not only of an age but there are also health and social issues that would make it unsuitable by ways of a community order."

Julian Davies, from the probation service, told the court that both Power and Stokes maintain that they did not take anything from the store without paying and intend to appeal their conviction.

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He added that Power, who has six theft convictions from 2009 to 2023, and Stokes who has 23 theft offences between 1987 and 2023, were assessed as medium risk of reoffending and harm in relation to threats and physical violence.

Power and Stokes were ordered to pay the court £479 each which included the £325 trial cost and £154 victim surcharge.

Compensation to Morrisons was waived because the pair received a suspended custodial sentence.