A mum took her young child shoplifting just days before Christmas.
Lyndsey Halliwell was spotted bundling children's toys into carrier bags in WH Smith on Northumberland Street, Newcastle, before trying to leave the store without paying.
But the 30-year-old had already come to the attention of security staff, who watched her as she made her way around the shop, a court heard.
Halliwell, who had her young child with her, was stopped on Northumberland Street as staff called over a nearby police officer.
In total, the mum had tried to make-off with £123-worth of toys, which her solicitor said she intended to sell on.
Halliwell, who is already on a community order, appeared in court for separate shoplifting offences in March, which dated back to August last year, and was ordered to pay compensation.
And she's been given another chance after pleading guilty to another count of shop theft at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week.
Lesley Burgess, prosecuting, said the latest offence took place at WH Smith on December 20 last year.
She said: "It's straightforward. The defendant entered the store together with a young child.
"She had empty shopping bags in her hand. Security watches her and sees her put various children's toys in the bags and goes to make her way out the store without paying."
Halliwell, of High Meadows, Kenton, Newcastle, was soon stopped and the goods were recovered.
Annalisa Moscardini, mitigating, said Halliwell had made good progress on her community order.
She added: "Miss Halliwell does have a history of shop theft, although it's not very lengthy.
"She was working up until 18 months ago but now she's on benefits.
"There has been an awful lot of problems with her benefits and she's owed a lot of money.
"The shop thefts are for her or to sell on for money."
Halliwell was given a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
Chairing Magistrates, Richard Ferry, said: "We're particularly concerned there was a child involved and you're on a community order.
"Because Probation said you are complying with that order and it's working well, we are going to step away from our guidelines we would normally use. It's important that order is maintained."
