A shoplifter who placed steaks into the hood of a pram and attempted to leave a supermarket was told her offending “has got to stop”.

Diane Rawlinson, 39, entered Asda at Dunmail Park in Workington at 6.30pm on October 31, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Peter Kelly, prosecuting, said the alarm was activated as she left the store. She was asked if she had paid for some steaks and said she hadn’t. Police were then contacted.

An interview took place on November 10. Rawlinson stated she entered the store and placed the steak in a hood of a pram.

She said she intended to pay but then had a change of heart and decided not to. She was challenged by a member of staff.

The total value of the items taken was £30.55.

Mr Kelly said Rawlinson has seven previous theft offences on her record.

Rawlinson, who was not legally represented, said she agreed with everything that had been said.

The defendant, of Mitchell Avenue, Northside, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

Passing sentence, lead magistrate, Keith Southward, told Rawlinson: “This has got to stop.”

She was fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £16 victim surcharge.

MORE FROM COURT: Drink-driver who had finished Dry January crashed into ditch