Two Ipswich shoplifters have been given suspended prison sentences after stealing groceries.

Jacqui Calver, 47, and Tracey Woor, 42, both of Elliott Street, pleaded guilty at South East Magistrates’ Court to stealing goods valued at £232.38 from Morrisons in Sproughton Road on December 2.

Calver also admitted stealing numerous items worth £185.58 from B and M Stores in Ipswich three days later.

Both women, who are civil partners, went into Morrisons with Woor’s three-year-old granddaughter.

After putting groceries in a trolley they left the store.

However, the pair were seen by security staff and Calver was apprehended as she loaded the items in her Renault Megane.

The court heard Woor and Calver had previous convictions.

Prosecutor Colette Harper made an application to the court for the forfeiture of the Renault Megane.

However, District Judge Sandeep Kainth said he would not confiscate the vehicle, but he did ban Calver from driving for six months.

Calver sustained a head injury three years ago which impairs her judgment, the court heard.

The judge told both defendants they had come extremely close to be jailed but he was swayed not to do so by the persuasive arguments of their solicitor Paul Donegan.

Calver was sentenced to a total of five months’ imprisonment, suspended for one year.

Woor, who was tearful as she was sentenced, was given a three-month prison term, also suspended for one year.

The pair must also each pay £85 costs and £80 to the victims’ fund.