A 53-YEAR-OLD Accrington woman walked out of Deb-enhams with £192 worth of property without attempting to pay.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Verena Mercer had no previous convictions but had twice been given fixed penalties for shoplifting offences.

Mercer, of Percy Street, pleaded guilty to shoplifting at the Blackburn store. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £60 costs.

Daniel King, defending, said Mercer had suffered some kind of breakdown five years ago and was still on medication.

"There have been two previous incidents of this kind and she can't explain what came over her," said Mr King. "She is deeply embarrassed and ashamed and she knows it has to stop."