A couple making a new life for themselves in Cumbria after battling drug problems resorted to shoplifting to survive financially.

Terry Lewis, 35, and Laura Shepherd, 30, who have both moved to Mossbay Road in Workington after leaving behind their life in London, stole vodka worth £65.

At Carlisle's Rickergate courts complex, they each pleaded guilty to two offences of shop theft – something they said they felt compelled to do because they were not being paid any benefits.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, described how the defendants carried out the thefts on July 28 and August 8.

On both occasions, they stole from the St Nicholas Gate branch of the Iceland store in Carlisle.

Staff reported seeing the couple walk into the store on the earlier date, and put vodka into a carrier bag before leaving the store without making any attempt to pay.

On August 8, the couple returned to the same store, and this time Lewis was caught on camera putting two bottles of vodka into his trousers.

The pair then went to the checkout and paid for a bottle of orange squash - but not the vodka.

When later questioned by the police, Lewis said he stole the vodka so that he could sell it.

In court, the defendant, who has previous shoplifting offences on his criminal record, told magistrates: "I have a chequered past.

“I've come up from London to sort myself out. But the money wasn't sorted out.

"We did it to survive. I'm trying my hardest after 20 years of drugs.

"It was just a mistake.

“I'm making an effort and I'm sorry. It was just a genuine mistake and it was the only way to make money to live - to pay for heating and for food. But our benefits have been sorted out now and we've been given another chance.

“It's been going well.”

Shepherd also addressed magistrates, telling them: “I'm not using now and I'm trying to sort myself out.”

Asked about the shoplifting offence, she said: “It was the only way we knew how to survive – through shoplifting.”

A Probation Service worker in court confirmed that both Lewis and Shepherd were doing well, attending rehabilitation sessions, and Shepherd due to start at a local job club on Friday.

Lewis had also taken up badminton and drug tests for both were negative.

Magistrates imposed a six-month community order on both defendants, which will include 20 days of rehabilitation, with a fine of £85 and costs of £85 for each.

The two must also each pay £32.50 compensation to Iceland.