Mother-of-three stole perfume from Wolverhampton Boots branch

Tina Cherrington, 48, of Gordon Place, appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court this week.

She pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from Boots in Wolverhampton across two days in early January this year.

The first theft took place on January 6 when she took perfume worth £324. The following day, she went back to the shop to steal more perfume worth £108.

The security guard recognised her from the previous day and when he approached her, found a pair of pliers in her pocket.

Cherrington, who suffers from depression and has been off sick from work for a month, said she carried the pliers as she was a victim of domestic violence from her husband.

Defending, Mr Mandeep Bassi said: "She has been a victim of domestic violence several times, and on many occasions, has been hospitalised.

"She carries the pliers as she swore she would not let herself be hurt like that again."

District Judge Graham Wilkinson said "That is not an excuse.

"If you were worried about domestic abuse, the fact is you could have come to see me in court to take some kind of action.

"Instead you chose to take out a weapon which would not effectively defend you and would result in you being back here or worse."

Mr Bassi revealed that at the time of the offences, Cherrington had been served an eviction notice and had bailiffs coming to her home.

District Judge Graham Wilkinson said "I accept that times are tight for people but you are a mother and by doing this your children are at risk of being taken into care."

Cherrington committed similar offences from 2008 to 2010.

She was ordered to pay £200 in compensation to Boots, £135 in costs and £60 victim surcharge.

Cherrington will also be subject to a curfew from 7pm to 6am every day for a month.