A woman who stole £60 worth of clothes from Dealz, in Douglas, has been fined £300.

Denise Elizabeth Watterson, aged 47, of Bucks Road, Douglas, admitted theft.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, on June 25 at 10am, Watterson entered the Strand Street store and was seen by staff taking price tags off some artificial flowers. Staff were suspicious and followed her and she was then seen putting baby clothes into her basket.

At the checkout she paid for items totalling £4.60 which did not include the flowers, and was stopped outside the store by staff. A heated conversation ensued with Watterson throwing the flowers at staff and saying: ’Here, have them.’

Clothing which had not been paid for, valued at £60.30, was found in two carrier bags.

Advocate Rebecca Cubbon said her client had made an effort to turn her life around. She said Watterson had struggled with problems with alcohol and mental health but had not had a drink for six weeks.

She returned to the store the next day with money for the items and a card of apology for the manager but was told they couldn’t accept the cash.