A BRAZEN shoplifter took items back to the superstore where she had stolen them from and demanded a refund saying they were unwanted goods.

Louise Hogarth, 32, admitted defrauding Sainsbury’s out of £500 with her scam which she operated between December 30 and January 19.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court was told how she would steal goods that were on display at the Sainsbury’s store in Kelso, and then returned to the shop and explained to employees they were unwanted gifts.

She would then get a refund for the cost of the goods which she had stolen in the first place.

First offender Hogarth, of Barony Park, Kelso, was given 80 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £500 compensation to Sainsbury’s.

Sheriff Lindsay Wood said: “This is a serious offence.”