A LAMPETER woman stole from a supermarket because she wanted to have a party for her son, magistrates have heard.

Bethenie Nicholson, of Flat 1, Bryngwyn in North Road, pleaded guilty to theft from Lampeter’s Sainsbury store on 26 October when she was seen by a staff member to walk out after putting a range of items in her bag.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, said Nicholson, 26, was seen by the staff member to pick up items worth just over £34 before leaving the store. She was stopped outside and the items were recovered.

Ms Tench said Nicholson told police that she had wanted to hold a party for her son, but hadn’t had the money to pay for the items.

Magistrates heard that the offence meant that Nicholson had breached a conditional discharge imposed in August for a similar theft.

Alison Mathias, defending Nicholson, said Nicholson had admitted the theft straight away and was apologetic about what had happened.

She had been keen to throw a party for her son but hadn’t been able to afford what she needed.

Ms Mathias said Nicholson had struggled with alcohol issues, but was now seeking help.

Magistrates said they thought a community order could help Nicholson address her issues and imposed a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a referral to an alcohol service. She was also given an order banning her from the Lampeter Sainsbury store for the length of the order.

Nicholson will pay a victim surcharge of £85, but will not pay toward prosecution costs.