‘Struggling’ Mum enlisted the help of her daughter to steal toys and clothing from stores such as Boots and Topshop
Heather Ray and her 18-year-old daughter Zoe stole toys, children's clothing and shower gels
A MOTHER who enlisted the help of her teenager daughter to shoplift has told the court how she has been 'struggling to provide' for her family.
Heather Ray and her 18-year-old daughter Zoe stole items from Boots, Toys R Us, Topshop, Next, House of Fraser, HMV, Waterstones, Body Shop and Clintons.
The Rays pleaded guilty to shoplifting at nine different shops in Huddersfield, .
During a hearing at Kirklees Magistrates' Court, it was revealed Mrs Ray was caught acting suspiciously in Boots in King Street on October 24 as she took boxes of vitamins from shelves, removed them from their packaging and put them in her handbag.
Her daughter was also spotted stealing items from the shop and the pair were challenged by a security guard and eventually the police were called.
They told police they had committed a further eight thefts on the same day at Kingsgate Shopping Centre in Huddersfield.
Stolen items included toys, children's clothing and shower gels.
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Single mother Ray told magistrates: "I’m struggling to provide for the family, it’s made me do these strange things I’ve not done before.
"I can’t say enough how sorry I am – I’m on a lot of medication and it sends me a bit doolally at times."
Miss Ray was given a 12-month conditional discharge.
Mrs Ray was sentenced a six-month community order with ten days of rehabilitative activities.
Both had to pay £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.
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