A self-confessed serial shoplifter must pay more than £500 after stealing hundreds of pounds worth of goods from a Sainsbury’s near Ipswich.

Mum-of-two Laura Madden, of Glanville Place, Kesgrave, pleaded guilty to two offences of theft from a shop when she appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard the 23-year-old told police after her arrest that she had started stealing before Christmas and had shoplifted six to eight times before she was caught.

Madden also had a total of seven cautions for shoplifting when she was a youth.

Prosecutor Colette Harper said the first offence Madden admitted to was on February 12 when she stole food, drink, clothes and toys worth around £200.

Four days later she walked back into the Sainsbury’s store and stole the same type of items. This time the value was £244.26.

However, she was seen by staff on this occasion and was detained.

Mrs Harper said Madden admitted to police she had gone into the shop intending to steal.

She went to the store with her boyfriend in his car. He stayed in the vehicle with their seven-month-old baby while Madden went in a filled a trolley.

Magistrates heard no-one made Madden steal, she had no financial issues, or any substance misuse habit.

She had told police she had shoplifted six to eight times after starting just before Christmas.

It was said to have become a ‘regular occurrence’.

Madden had no previous convictions, but was given a caution in 2005 for shoplifting and six more cautions in 2008 for the same offence.

Madden, representing herself, told the court: “I know I shouldn’t have done it. It’s the wrong thing to do.

“I think I just did it the once and I just kept doing it. I don’t know why.”

Magistrates fined her a total of £260 and ordered her to pay £200 compensation to Sainsbury’s.

Madden must also pay £40 costs and £20 to the victims’ fund.