A MOTHER who went on a shoplifting spree told a court she was trying to make sure her children had a good Christmas.

Deborah Carruthers appeared at Workington Magistrates’ Court where she pleaded guilty to three charges of theft.

Carruthers, 37, of Row Brow Park, Dearham, was first caught shoplifing on December 8 in Workington’s branch of Asda.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, told the court security staff had found her trying to take an umbrella, skinny jeans and a Christmas jumper – worth a combined total of £60 – from the store. They contacted the police.

“All of the items were recovered, so there is no claim for compensation,” she said.

On December 14, in Workington’s branch of Debenhams, staff spotted Carruthers unwrapping a variety of items and then placing them into a bag. They included perfume, toiletries and scented candles together worth £455.

The staff contacted police before she could get away with these items and she was arrested. When she was in the police car she said to officers: “I just wanted the kids to have a good Christmas.”

She then said she had stolen two bottles of Jean-Paul Gaultier perfume – worth £122 – from Debenhams on December 7.

Claire Kirkpatrick, defending, said Carruthers had lost her job in a local takeaway and had been stealing the goods to sell on to another person to raise money for presents. 

She also told the court that as a result of her crimes Carruthers’ home was searched by police and several items which had been purchased legitimately and were intended as Christmas presents were seized by officers. These were only returned to her in the last week.

“She is a single parent with two children and she has made an entirely foolish decision,” she added.

District Judge Gerald Chalk, presiding, said: “It is really sad to see you before the court for these matters.”

He gave Carruthers a 12-month community order and told her to pay both £122 in compensation to Debenhams and £85 in costs.