Thief stole steak from M&S

Burnley magistrates were told how Sarah Louise Balmbra (31) was with a friend and both were recognised as they were barred. They had been seen on CCTV after a staff member checked footage because of possible thefts the previous day.

Balmbra and her associate had put the meat in bags, left, and were caught when they went back into the store the day after.

The defendant, of Cog Lane, Burnley, admitted theft from the store’s branch in the town, last December 29th. She was given a three week curfew, from 9pm to 6am and was fined £10, with £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Mr Daniel Frazer, defending, said Balmbra was on employment support allowance.

“She was struggling for money. Her friend persuaded her this was a quick way to make some money. She shouldn’t have done it. She felt she had no other option.” He added: “The defendant was hanging around with people who were putting ideas in her head.”