TWO shoplifters stole Sudocrem and wet wipes from a Warminster store to make money for Christmas.

Penelope Jackson, 47, of Austin Close, Frome, and Simon Norris, 31, of The Halve, Trowbridge, stole the goods from Morrison's.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting at Chippenham magistrates' court on Thursday, said staff in the store noticed Jackson at about lunchtime, acting suspiciously.

Norris joined her and they transferred items from her shopping basket into a carrier bag.

Andrew Watts-Jones, defending Jackson, said: "She has had for a very long time a considerable drug habit involving pretty much everything over the years. In recent times she has managed to put a lid on that and got herself clean, at least of all addictive drugs."

He said Jackson, a single mum on income support, had fallen back into bad ways after a difficult period with her 17-year-old son and the death of her father.

Mr Watts-Jones said: "She took part in this offence largely to make money because Christmas is an expensive time and these items, it might seem extraordinary, are quite saleable."

Tim Hammick, representing Norris, said he been through a difficult time, had no money and his children had been taken into care.

Jackson and Norris, who both have previous convictions for theft and drug offences, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft. They were sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge.