Shoplifter caught by police officer who was buying lunch at M&S in Workington

A shoplifter was caught stealing packets of meat by a police officer who was buying lunch in Marks & Spencer.

Kirsty Blacklock, 35, was “not dressed for shoplifting” when she went into the Workington M&S store wearing flip-flops, her defence solicitor said.

The defendant was caught on CCTV taking £101 worth of packaged meat at 12.10pm on Monday, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

She was also seen by a police officer, who followed her and cautioned her.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, said a quantity of Xanax was found on Blacklock during a search and she was arrested.

When interviewed by police, Blacklock said the drugs had come from an online pharmacy.

John Cooper, defending, said: “I think the officer is picking up lunch in M&S. He saw her in the store, followed her, and arrested her.

“She was at court last week but that was for an offence going back to March. She pleaded guilty and was given a financial penalty.

“It wasn’t pre-planned. She is not appropriately dressed for shoplifting. She is wearing flip-flops.

“She was stopped and spoken to. The drugs were bought online. I’m not sure it was a legitimate purchase because you need to have a prescription.”

Blacklock, of Findley Place, Workington, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop and possessing a class C drug.

She was fined a total of £120 and must pay £85 costs and a £48 victim’s surcharge. She must also pay £101 in compensation to Marks & Spencer.

An order was made for forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.

Shoplifter caught by police officer who was buying lunch in M&S