Birkenhead mum stole equestrian gear from Queensferry store

Latasha Parsons, of Grange Mount in Birkenhead, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 35-year-old admitted that on May 24, she stole equestrian clothing worth £182.12 from Charlies Stores in Queensferry.

She also accepted the offence put her in breach of a 12 month conditional discharge imposed in Cheshire for shoplifting.

Catherine Elvin, prosecuting, told the court Parsons was seen entering the store and selecting various items before concealing them in her bag.

She then made her way to the tills and passed through without making any payment, but she was stopped and her bag was emptied.

In the bag, a "de-tagger" was also found, which Ms Elvin said suggested her  intention to go into the shop and take the tags off the clothes.

Parsons claimed she'd borrowed the device.

READ MORE: Jail for mum who tried to smuggle drugs into Wrexham prison

The previous shoplifting offence took place at a Marks and Spencer store and involved £668 worth of goods.

David Matthews, defending, told the court: "Before the Marks and Spencer offence in January this year, she had no previous convictions.

"Now she has two offences in six months - obviously the court will be concerned.

"Ms Parsons has been suffering from considerable mental health issues triggered by severe domestic violence.

"Her children reside elsewhere, and obviously that's difficult for her.

"The trigger for this particular offence was that her daughter has taken up horse riding.

"She's very disappointed and upset by the fact that she can't help or support her daughter and she took the wrong path in taking this equipment for her.

"She cooperated with store staff and police."

The Magistrates decided to adjourn Parsons' sentence to September 22 in order for the Probation Service to compile a pre-sentence report on her.

Make sure you don't miss the top court stories of the week by signing up to our free court newsletter