A WOMAN who stole from Hereford shops said she felt an 'unexplainable urge' to take the items, magistrates heard.

Maria Magorzata Skornicka, 59, of Gladstone Drive, Hereford, pleaded guilty to five counts of theft at Hereford Magistrates Court last week.

Amy Davies, prosecuting, said that the first theft took place on October 8, just after noon when Skornicka entered Poundland and stole Persil tablets, a bottle of Comfort and three boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates which she put in her bag and made no attempt to pay.

On October 12, she stole a further six boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates, also placing them in her bag and making no attempt to pay.

Then on October 14, Skornicka attended TK Maxx and went to the handbag section, then the underwear section and then to the coat section.

Skornicka then returned to the foyer and was seen looking at items there.

During this time she took various items including socks, purses and jackets and left the shop.

A short time later she entered Tiger and stole household items including a lamp and a pepper shaker and placed them within her bag.

Also on October 14, Skornicka attended Debenhams and stole two rings priced at £4 each.

She then left the store but was being watched by CCTV cameras and was challenged by staff.

Police attended and Skornicka was taken to the police station. She accepted stealing the rings but said that she had brought the other items.

When further interviewed Skornicka accepted stealing the other items but claimed she had brought the salt and pepper shaker.

Emma Thorne, mitigating, said that Skornicka couldn't justify her actions in any possibly way.

"She says that she had the adequate funds to purchase the items," said Mrs Thorne, "she feels while shopping that she gets an unexplainable urge to take the items.

"Skornicka realises this is an issue for her and has made the conclusion that she needs to address this.

"She is returning to Poland in January to get psychological help. She realises what she has done and feels a deep sense of regret."

Mrs Thorne added that Debenhams and Poundland had subject Skornicka to a banning order.

Magistrates ordered Skornicka to pay a £200 fine, £135 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.