A CLEANER at Asda helped herself from the shelves as she did her early morning shift.

Blackburn magistrates heard security staff who were suspicious of Jayne Manning's behaviour and observed her putting items in her cleaning trolley before leaving the shop without attempting to pay.

Manning, 45, of Whitehaven Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of coffee, books, cleaning products, an ink cartridge, fridge tidy and a £20 note from Asda.

She was fined £120 with £85 costs, £30 victim surcharge and £30 compensation.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said when police went to her home Manning handed over many of the items which she had stolen including a set of Harry Potter books.

Richard Prew, defending, said Manning had worked at Asda for 14 years and had an unblemished record.

"She hasn't got any explanation for why she has been taking these items," said Mr Prew.

"Most of them were returned intact and unopened and she can't explain why at the age of 45 she has done this."