Romanian shoplifter hit Carmarthen Marks and Spencer and Next

A ROMANIAN woman who stole clothes and shoes worth over £200 from two Carmarthen shops simply "gave into temptation" her solicitor said.

Adela Dumitru, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from Carmarthen stores at Llanelli Magistrates' Court.

Dumitru, who is originally from Romania but now lives in Clase Road, Swansea, visited Carmarthen on February 20.

Ellie Morgan, prosecution, said police were informed of the thefts after a Carmarthen CCTV operator alerted a Marks and Spencer security guard about a man and woman taking items in the store.

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"When they became aware he was watching them, they left the store.

"In particular he saw the female taking items and putting them into her apron she was wearing," Ms Morgan said.

After leaving the shop, Dumitru was seen moving the items into another car, before police officers were sent on foot to retrieve them.

Officers found the goods amounting to £173.50 from Marks and Spencer and £44 from Next inside Dumitru's apron, which had been hidden inside another bag.

Richard Morgan, defence, told the court that the defendant had only been living in the UK for the last three years and does not have a job or any income.

"She actually travelled to Carmarthen in the hope of finding work.

"She went into the Marks and Spencer store and accepts she did not have any money with her and saw certain items of clothing and shoes that were very nice."

Mr Morgan said she thought the items were especially nice for her niece and nephew.

"She let the temptation get the better of her and put certain items within her clothing and left the store without paying.

"She accepts she has done wrong."

Mr Morgan said the act was a case of temptation and not a planned exercise.

Dumitru was given two concurrent six week suspended prison sentences for each offence, which were suspended for 12 months.

She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80 and £85 in costs.