COURTNEY Palmer stole clothes from M&Co and attempted to steal from Pure in King Street, Stroud, a court heard.

Palmer, 19, pleaded guilty to theft and attempted theft at Stroud Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, August 25.

Prosecutor Theresa Perry explained that police were called to Pure at 9.45am on Tuesday, July 27.

"Palmer had gone into a fitting room with four items but had only returned three," she said.

"When police arrived they found a denim skirt stuffed behind a mirror in the changing room.

"They searched Palmer and found a pair of dark blue shorts and denim jeans in a bag from M&Co which had not been paid for."

Defending, Howard Ogden said: "Palmer has little recollection of the incident, as she has a problem with alcohol.

"She has now moved out of her old supported accommodation in Stroud which was unsuitable as she is a vulnerable person."

Palmer, of Westlodge Drive, Gloucester was given a 12-month community order with 60 hours unpaid work.

She was also ordered to pay £85 costs.