A woman struggling financially in the recession and in debt stole pet food because she couldn’t afford to feed her animals, a court heard.
Lincoln magistrates were told that the 46 year old was seen to put something in her bag at Pets At Home on the Tritton Retail Park.
Jim Clare, prosecuting, said she was acting suspiciously. She picked up some items and walked around the store for a while before leaving without paying.
“She was followed and stopped outside and asked if she had anything on her,” he said.
“She took out a bag of bird seed and some shampoo.”
The woman who lives in village just outside of Lincoln, admitted theft on July 17.
Tony Cunningham, representing, said she was struggling financially after being affected by the recession which is hitting the construction industry and she was in debt.
“She was struggling to buy pet food and so she stole some. It is as simple as that but she is very ashamed of what she has done,” he said.
Magistrates conditionally discharged her for 12 months and ordered her to pay costs of £25.