A suspected shoplifting duo appeared in court after PCSOs allegedly caught them with a pair of stolen trousers.

While on patrol in Union Street, Maidstone, officers stopped Matthew Stannard and Kathy Banks, both of Regent Close.

Following enquiries at a department store in Week Street, both were arrested by attending police officers on suspicion of theft.

They were later charged with stealing £225 worth of clothes.

Stannard was also charged with failing to provide a non-intimate sample in custody for a Class A drugs test.

The 47-year-old pleaded guilty and was given a community order and ordered to pay £170.

Banks, 51, was due to appear at Medway Magistrates Court yesterday (Wednesday).

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