A 72-YEAR-OLD caught shoplifting claimed she was being a modern day 'Robin Hood' stealing from a supermarket to give to a needy neighbour.

Blackburn magistrates heard Rosemary Davies knew the neighbour and her children were struggling for money but she couldn't afford to reward her financially for the help the younger woman had given to her.

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Davies, of Swallow Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing clothing, toiletries and food worth £77 from Morrisons.

She was fined £40 with £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said Davies had not been in trouble until 2014 when she got her first conviction for shoplifting.

On the latest occasion she was recognised by a store detective who saw her putting items in bags which she didn't tender at the check-out when she paid for other items.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had mobility difficulties and was dependant on the kindness of neighbours.

"One of those neighbours has young children and my client knows she is struggling financially," said Mr Taylor.

"She has taken it upon herself to remove some extra items from the supermarket and was planning to take it round to this family as a thank-you for all the help they have given her."

Sentencing Davies the chairman said that no matter how well intentioned a crime it is still wrong.

"Rather than stealing just say thank-you to the people who help you," he added.