A CARLISLE shoplifter who stole clothing worth more than £400 has has been fined - after admitting her 170th offence. 

Paula Tunstall, 46, was caught shortly after she left House of Fraser in the city centre carrying six Hugo Boss polo shirts in a bag, having made no attempt to pay, the city’s Rickergate court heard.

Tunstall, of Newlaithes Avenue, Morton, Carlisle, admitted theft.

The court heard that staff had spotted the defendant and alarms activated as she left the shop with the stolen clothes. “A member of staff followed her out of the store and phoned the police,” said George Shelley, prosecuting.

“Police then found the defendant, still in possession of the six Boss polo shirts.” The value of the shirts was £423.  The most recent of Tunstall’s many previous offences was a shop theft, committed in October last year.

Lauren Heasley, for Tunstall, said the defendant had been struggling financially following the temporary suspension of her benefits in September.

She fell into arrears with her debts and became “totally depressed and desperate,” said the lawyer. “She now feels embarrassed,” said Miss Heasley.

She added that all of the stolen clothing was recovered in a saleable condition. Miss Heasley accepted that it was the defendant’s criminal record which would concern magistrates. She added that Tunstall was in remission from throat cancer.

She had sought support for her drugs issue and worked hard to improve herself.

Magistrates told Tunstall that her criminal record did not make for good reading and warned her that if she continues to reoffend future sentences will be more severe. She was fined £80 with £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

The lead magistrate added: “We know that’s it’s Christmas and there will be temptation in the shops but you must stop this; the consequences will get more severe if you carry on.”