A mother repeatedly stole jars of an expensive honey for her autistic daughter, a court heard.

Linda Shaw, 52, of Ashen Drive, Dartford, was caught after stealing six jars of manuka honey from the Co-op in Station Road, Longfield.

Dartford Magistrates heard she regularly stole jars of the honey for her 16-year-old daughter.

She was spotted on five occasions pocketing the New Zealand honey.

Miss Shaw admitted one charge of shoplifting and asked for four others to be taken into consideration.

The thefts happened between November 22 and December 6, and amounted to £233.71.

James McCooey, defending, told the court: “She has been in certain financial difficulties.

Her daughter is 16 years old, 6ft tall, suffering from severe challenging behaviour and autism.”

She also has a 32-year-old son with Aspergers.

Mr McCooey said: “It was coming up to Christmas and the honey was for the daughter who insisted on certain things. Miss Shaw has done outstanding work looking after her daughter.

“She is mortified she has lapsed, but is seeing a doctor who is putting her on the right route.”

Miss Shaw was given a six-month community order to include 12 days attending a special programme for offending women, ordered to pay £145.75 compensation for the honey the police were unable to recover and £60 costs.