By John Connell

Last updated at 12:54, Saturday, 18 August 2012

A drunken shoplifter confronted over stealing a pair of trousers told staff she would not be seen dead in them.

Susan Nelson, 46, of Beck Road, Belle Vue, Carlisle, later admitted to taking a pair of £16 trousers from Next on July 15.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, said Nelson had “appeared to be very drunk and unsteady on her feet”.

When asked by staff if she intended to pay for the trousers she had told them would not be “seen dead in them”, Ms Jackson said.

Geoffrey Clapp, defending, said Nelson had never been in court before and was “extremely embarrassed and upset about it.”

He added that the trousers, which Nelson had placed in her bag, had now been recovered.

Mr Clapp also showed the court receipts which showed that Nelson had paid for other items in the shop that day.

Magistrates gave her a conditional discharge and no costs after considering additional information from Mr Clapp which was not read in open court.

First published at 10:49, Saturday, 18 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk