AN 80-year-old Blackwood woman admitted shoplifting from the town centre, after she took a pork pie and other items from B&M Bargains.

Irene May Topping of Summerfield Terrace, Fleur-de-Lys, had last been at court in November 2008, when she answered a charge of theft, with her having 10 previous convictions in total for 12 offences.

The pensioner appeared at Caerphilly Magistrates’ Court where defence solicitor Mark Davies explained the circumstances surrounding her latest offence.

Topping had travelled to Blackwood town centre on Saturday, August 4 to get her hair done.

But, when her usual hairdresser was not available, she had a wander around.

Mr Davies said: "It was carnival day and there was lots of people there, with Mrs Topping getting knocked to the ground when the carnival procession went past. She was shaken, so went to B&M Bargains in a quieter part of town to escape the activity."

He said she fully accepts taking £23.22 worth of groceries, adding: "A glass or two of alcohol she had prior to going out may have clouded her judgement, but she is very annoyed with herself and doesn’t know why she did it, as she would never usually even buy a pork pie."

Prosecutor Mark Salter said the pensioner entered the store "acting suspiciously" and filled a basket, concealing items as she walked around.

She then left without offering payment, with Mr Salter saying she was "very annoyed with herself" when caught, with the barrister calling the offence "opportunistic".

Chairman of the bench Nicholas Hobbs gave Topping a six-month conditional discharge and ordered she pay £85 costs.