A woman who stole £260 of lube and condoms found herself in a sticky situation when she appeared in court.

Jodie Young, of Tumim House, Maidstone, appeared at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Friday (April 8) alongside her husband as both faced charges of theft.

Young, 35, admitted to stealing 28 items from Link Pharmacy in King Street, including lubricant, condoms and tissues.

The court heard how the mother-of-three took the items on February 4 this year while staff turned their back as she was in a "financial crisis" after having her benefits sanctioned.

Defending, Michelle Pibworth explained Young had planned to sell the £263.73 of items to make money.

Similarly, the defendant pleaded guilty to stealing £35.65 of shopping from Tesco Express, London Road, as she was struggling financially.

The court was told how CCTV showed Young walk out with a basketful of shopping before returning for a bag, leaving again to fill it up, and ditching the empty basket.

The Maidstone mum was also sentenced alongside partner of 18 years Michael Scott, 50, also of Tumim House, for stealing £81 worth of festive chocolates from Wilkinsons, at The Mall, Maidstone, on November 5.

Again, Young was caught on CCTV putting the items into her partner's mobility scooter and her own jacket, before taking a hygiene gift set as the pair left.

They had initially pleaded not guilty and were due to face trial, but after not appearing at court in March the duo were found guilty in their absence.

Ms Pibworth told the court how the after Young's benefits had been suspended, just weeks later so had Scott's, leaving them in a "dire financial situation".

Narrowly avoiding a prison sentence, the tearful couple were told by magistrates': "You both need to understand how close you came to going to prison."

Young was given a 12-month community order alongside a six month drug rehabilitation course, as well as completing 20 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) sessions.

She was also told to pay back the costs of the stolen goods to Link pharmacy, Wilkinsons and Tesco, totalling £339.88, as well as £150 in prosecution costs.

Scott was given the same community, drug rehab and RAR orders, and told to pay £40.50 in compensation to Wilkinsons and £150 in prosecution costs.