A woman with learning difficulties told magistrates she twice stole sandwiches in Carlisle city centre because she was hungry.

Kylie Crothers, 32, stole two cheese and ham baguettes from Greggs Bakery in the Lanes Carlisle, on September 16.

She also stole a sandwich from the Carlisle city centre branch of Tesco.

She admitted both thefts during an appearance at the city's Ricerkgate court.

When questioned later by police and asked why she had done it, she told the officers:"I must have been hungry."

In court, Crothers told magistrates: "I know it was wrong, but I was absolutely starving hungry on both occasions.

"They only give me a set amount of money and by the time I've paid my electric and gas bills - I was getting £50 a week - I wasn't able to afford food.

"But I've just got back control of my food and I'm managing.

"I can't really excuse my actions and I'm sorry for what I've done. I know it was out of order. But this will be the last time."

Presiding magistrate Paul Bird told Crothers, of Welsh Road, Harraby, that she was causing stress to the shop staff affected.

"You're causing a lot of problems for everybody, but we don't believe that you set out in the morning to commit these offences. But you know that it's wrong."

Crothers pointed out that she had learning difficulties but Mr Bird said that if she came back before the court for theft, regardless of her learning difficulties, there would be serious consequences.

Crothers was fined £40 with a £35 victim surcharge."