TWO friends were caught stealing from a shop at which one of them worked by CCTV evidence, a court heard yesterday (Aug 23).

Laura Jane Chapel, 24, and Alexandra Clare Pryke(cor), 26, pleaded guilty to stealing £132 worth of groceries from Premier Stores, in Longfield Road, Darlington, at the town's magistrates' court.

Prosecuting David Maddison said: "This is an allegation of theft aggravated by the fact it is a breach of trust from an employee."

The charges relate to a series of incidents between May 16 and June 9.

Chapel, of Birch Road, Darlington, was a shop assistant at the store, which operated a credit system for customers. Pryke, of Marina Road, Darlington, had formerly worked there.

The two were friends and when Pryke asked to pay for goods on credit, Chapel agreed.

Mr Maddison said during the three weeks, extra goods were put into Pryke's shopping.

Clive Booth, defending Chapel, said; "Miss Chapel asked Miss Pryke to take items to pay at a later date. But she didn't pay for some of the goods."

John Hardisty, in mitigation for Pryke, said she had already lost three jobs because of her arrest and had suffered financial penalty.

Chairman of the magistrates Brian Avery said: "You must realise this is a serious breach of trust. You were there to look after the shop."

Both were given a 12-month conditional discharge. Chapel was also ordered to pay £43 costs.

ends