A CHESTER woman stole from a city store the day after she had been sentenced in court for shoplifting.

Danielle Mead, 33, of Shelley Road, Blacon, pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, September 14 to stealing perfume valued at £89.99 from Boots in Chester and nasal sprays worth £9.98 from Superdrug.

The theft from Boots took place on August 25 – one day after Mead had received a 12-month conditional discharge in Chester Magistrates Court for stealing a Michael Kors perfume set worth £45, again from Boots.

The Superdrug theft happened on August 28.

Magistrates handed her 12-month community order, fined her £50 and ordered her to pay £99.97 compensation, to be split appropriately between the two stores.

Prosecuting, Kerry Pepperell told the court CCTV evidence showed Mead placing the bottle of perfume in her bag while in Boots and making no attempt to pay.

In Superdrug on August 28, Mead was seen taking four bottles of nasal spray from the shelves before placing two back, while taking the others.

The items were not recovered.

When interviewed by police, Mead said she gets stressed and does not remember doing it, and would have only given the perfume to friends in order to make friends.

Mead had 15 previous convictions for 29 offences and had been on a community order which ran until May 2019.

A probation report heard Mead had been complying with the order, attending appointments, but there were difficulties in administering a punitive element due to Mead's mental and physical health issues.

Defending, Adrian Evans said the shoplifting offence coming so soon after Mead's last appearance in court was "an aggravating feature".

He added: "She goes out and steals because it alleviates her anxiety and depression. It may appear somewhat strange but it's clear from her history that that is her position.

"She is vulnerable and has seen a psychiatrist, and is undergoing treatment for a bone disease."

Mr Evans added there had been a change in family circumstances which had 'exacerbated' matters, and was looking to go on the WISER course for women offenders but that had been cancelled at the last minute.

The course cancellation made Mead sad as she had been told it was "the course for her and would have the desired effect".

Chair of magistrates Roy Baron told Mead: "What is really worrying is that you committed one of the offences one day after being given a conditional discharge.

"We recognise the problems you have but the shopkeepers of Chester should not have to put up with people coming in and stealing things from them."

The existing community order was reset, meaning Mead has a new 12-month community order to include 60 days rehabilitation and activity requirement, while the conditional discharge was to continue.

As well as the fine and compensation, Mead must pay £85 court costs. Victim surcharge was waived for the offence.

Mr Baron added: "We are trying to help you but you have to help yourself, otherwise one day you will cross the custody threshold."