An impoverished mother has appeared in court after stealing toys from a store for her children’s Christmas presents.
Tracey Ralph, of Wall Street, Kesgrave, pleaded guilty before Ipswich magistrates to theft of goods worth £79.97 from Toys ‘R’ Us in Copdock on November 14.
Prosecutor Wayne Ablett said the theft was captured on CCTV. Ralph, 38, was interviewed by police in January and admitted what she had done.
She said she had no money just before Christmas and in a lot of debt.
She wanted her children to have nice toys so went to the shop’s service desk to pay off a credit debt.
When asked about the items at her feet Ralph said she had paid for them.
Ralph, who has previous convictions, told the court: “I’m really sorry.”
She must pay £79.97 compensation and costs of £25.
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