A WOMAN was filmed trying to steal a dress and cheat a store.

Susan Atherton, 42, of Whalley Road, Padiham, pleaded guilty to stealing a dress worth £50 from Marks and Spencer, Bolton, and trying to obtain a refund by deception.

Mr Andrew Gowar, prosecuting at Bolton Magistrates Court, said a security camera in the store filmed Atherton taking clothes from hangers and then going into a changing room.

He added that some of the clothing was returned by Atherton, who took the dress to the Customer Services counter and said she wanted to exchange it.

Mr Gowar said she was allowed to change the dress for items of underwear and £14 worth of gift vouchers, but when she left the store she was arrested.

He said that Atherton maintained it was a mistake, and continued to deny the offences until she was confronted with the video evidence.

Mrs Julie Wightman, defending, said Atherton was a £10,000 a year part-time marketing manager and was happily married with three children.

She added that she had more than enough money to pay for the clothing and was ashamed and shocked by her behaviour.

Atherton, who had no previous convictions, was fined £150, and ordered to pay £45 costs.

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