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.