A WOMAN who committed a series of shoplifting offences at a time when she was depressed had been given a conditional caution to avoid her having a criminal record.

Blackburn magistrates heard Leanne Roberts was only required to attend three meetings at the Lancashire Women’s Centre but managed to kept only one appointment.

And she found herself before the court facing four criminal charges 12 months after committing the first offence.

Roberts, 28, of Hollins Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to four charges of stealing from Pound Stretcher in Blackburn.

She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £34 compensation, £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said on all the visits to Pound Stretcher Roberts was pushing a pram which she used to carry the items she stole. All the offences were caught on CCTV.

Gareth Price, defending, said the failure to comply with the conditional caution was indicative of the problems his client had at the time.

“She was suffering from severe depression which was behind her committing the offences.” said Mr Price. “It wasn’t a lot to ask her to attend the women’s centre three times but even that was beyond her at the time.”

Mr Price said shortly after committing the offences Roberts had been to see her doctor who had prescribed anti-depressants.

“She has not offended in the 12 months since and is now on an even keel,” said Mr Price.