Pregnant woman stole from Bristol supermarket

A pregnant Romanian shoplifter narrowly escaped deportation after admitting stealing make-up from a Bristol supermarket.

Anca Irimia, 20, who gave her address as an Engineering firm in Coventry, admitted taking £308.80 worth of make up from Morrisons in Hartcliffe on Thursday.

Bristol Magistrates' Court heard that Miss Irimia had gone into the store at about 3.30pm and bought a packet of toilet rolls.

When she walked out of the shop the security alarm sounded.

Staff found 12 bottles of L'Oreal skin cream and 19 bottles of Maybelline foundation in her bag.

Crown prosecutor Huw Rogers said Miss Irimia, who spoke very little English, had admitted the offence and that she had intended to sell the goods because she had no money.

He also revealed that Ms Irimia had been arrested within the past few weeks for a similar offence in Swansea and another alleged theft in Carlisle.

The offences included a notice of deportation.

Magistrates said they had considered deportation but instead handed Miss Irimia a conditional discharge for six months, based on her personal condition and physical health, recommending she return home as soon as possible.