TWO teenagers were driven to shoplifting by "short term financial issues," a court heard.

Darcey Salisbury-Griffiths and Eleri Harper-Jones, both of Trevenna Way, appeared for sentence at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.

At a previous hearing, 18-year-old Salisbury-Griffiths had admitted three counts of shoplifting - which took place at Wrexham's city centre Poundland, Wilkinsons and Primark stores on August 13.

Harper-Jones, 19, had also admitted her part in those offences - as well as possession of cannabis.

At Tuesday's hearing, both admitted a further shoplifting offence, which took place at B&M Bargains on August 28.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that in all cases of their shoplifting, the items - including clothing, healthcare products and cleaning products - were recovered.

Police found the cannabis in Harper-Jones' handbag.

Andrew Holliday, defending both of the teenagers, said: "They are both of previous good character and have told me that the thefts were motivated by short term financial issues.

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"Eleri has only recently secured benefit payments."

He explained Harper-Jones had struggled following a bereavement in recent years.

Regarding Salisbury-Griffiths. he added: "She was on a hairdressing course which came to an end and left her out of work.

"She's now found work as a chef."

He conceded his clients had likely "egged each other on" to commit the thefts.

Deputy District Judge Paul Conlon told the defendants: "I take into account your ages - you're fairly immature in that sense.

"Nevertheless, you engaged in a group activity of theft from various stores and then compounded it again a few weeks later by stealing again."

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Salisbury-Griffiths received fines totalling £300 and was ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge, in addition to £85 costs.

Harper-Jones received fines totalling £200 and must pay an £80 victim surcharge, as well as £85 costs.

The Deputy District Judge ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis seized.