A 47-YEAR-OLD cleaner at a Darwen store was caught stealing when management carried out spot checks.
They had been ordered because stock had been found missing.
Blackburn magistrates heard that Sandra Preece had removed various toiletries from their packaging before putting them in her handbag.
Preece, of Spring Vale, Garden Village, Darwen, pleaded guilty to theft from Qualitysave.
She was given a conditional discharge for 18 months and ordered to pay £65 costs.
Phillipa White, prosecuting, said the firm's area manager had been called in to investigate missing stock.
Clare Knight, defending, said her client was ashamed of what had happened.
She could not explain her actions.
"She had the money in her purse and didn't really need these items," said Miss Knight.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article