A MOTHER who stole over £100 worth of goods while shopping with her three children has been handed a conditional discharge by magistrates.

Jessica Louise Hardy, 25, of River View, Hereford, pleaded guilty to stealing goods to the value of £106 from Debenhams including two plates, a double duvet set and two toy cars.

She also admitted stealing a pack of Disney Frozen cards to the value of 99 pence from Poundstretcher.

Amy Davies, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court on Thursday, said that on November 5, entered Debenhams with her friend and both women had three children each with them. The items were placed in Hardy's pram before leaving

Hardy and her friend then made their way to Pounstretchers where Hardy was seen picking up a pack of Disney Frozen cards and placing them within her handbag before making her way towards the exit.

Hardy was challenged by police later in the day when the Disney Frozen cards were found within her handbag and also within a bag attached to her pram was two toy cars and a double duvet set.

On interview Hardy said that her friend picked up the toy cars and said 'get these for the children' before putting them under her pram. She said that her friend also picked up the double duvet set and plates before also placing them under her pram.

"She effectively said she felt pressurised by her friend to take the items," added Mrs Davies.

However, Chris Read, mitigating, said that now Hardy was now not placing the blame with anybody else.

"She accepts full responsibility for the items stolen," added Mr Read.

"She is a young lady in a very difficult position and this is not stealing to fund an excessive lifestyle but trying to make ends meet and all the items were recovered."

Hardy was handed a conditional discharge for 24 months. She was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.