Shoplifting mum was trying to get money for kids' gifts
A MUM-OF-TWO has admitted shoplifting, saying she took the items to raise money for her children's Christmas presents.
Maria Thomas, 33, who appeared at Swansea Magistrates' Court, admitted a charge of theft and another of obstructing a police officer in their duty.
The court heard that Thomas, of Mysydd Terrace, Landore, was seen by an Asda security guard on November 8 to make her way through the checkout and only pay for some of the items of clothing in her trolley.
It later transpired that Thomas had stolen £95.98 of clothing from the Morriston store.
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When she was stopped outside by the security guard and arrested, she gave officers a false name and date of birth, which she continued using at the police station.
Police, who became suspicious, checked her handbag and found documents which revealed her real name.
She said she had used the false name to speed up her time at the police station and was scared after recently receiving a fixed penalty notice and a caution for other offences.
Struggling
Dan Heard, representing Thomas, said: "The reason the offences came about is that as the Christmas period approaches, she is short of cash and has two children."
He said she was a single mother after the death of her partner in May 2010.
"She's struggling emotionally and financially," he told magistrates.
Thomas was given a conditional discharge lasting 12 months.
Comments
by swanseajock
Monday, November 26 2012, 9:41PM
“Why didn't she steal Christmas presents for her children instead of stealing to sell?”
by GorsseinonJoe
Monday, November 26 2012, 4:40PM
“There is never an excuse for stealing someone else's property, it doesn't matter whether it's from an individual or a major company.
Parents have to face their kids and tell them the truth and that is that sometimes they can't have everything they want.
One of the problems these days is that having everything is seen as a right and people do not see the logic of living within their means, if they can't afford it, they think they can take it.
Stealing and lying when in police custody and getting a conditional discharge? I think this lady is very lucky, I've seen harsher sentences for less.”
by SWEPuser001
Monday, November 26 2012, 4:17PM
“"This sort of thing is on the increase. Not saying it was the right thing to do at all but what a sad story, what a mother would do and risk for her children :(""
Yes, I agree. I don't condone what she did, shoplifting, but there is SO much pressure on people, (especially parents) these days, particularly at Christmas. Personally, I think the fault lies with the consumer society that we live in.
Kids have such high expectations nowadays, with no idea of the financial issues involved.”
by Neathboy234
Monday, November 26 2012, 4:01PM
“williamwaun don't worry i will, nice to see u are thinking of me as well.”
by williamwaun
Monday, November 26 2012, 3:53PM
“@Neathboy
I do apologize, enjoy your time off!!!”
by Neathboy234
Monday, November 26 2012, 2:57PM
“williamwaun trust u to bring steel into it again !!!. I'm on my days off i'm trying to forget about the stuff for a few days.”
by williamwaun
Monday, November 26 2012, 2:42PM
“*steal”
by williamwaun
Monday, November 26 2012, 2:41PM
“If she is able to go out and steel, why doesn't she go out and work her children's sake.”
by lancelot69
Monday, November 26 2012, 2:34PM
“This sort of thing is on the increase. Not saying it was the right thing to do at all but what a sad story, what a mother would do and risk for her children :(”