A couple who tried to sell raunchy knickers that weren’t theirs on eBay have avoided jail.

Mandy Eastell, 37 and partner Robert Stephens, 35, were found guilty of theft last month, and were today sentenced to community punishments.

Maidstone magistrates heard it was an opportunistic offence, triggered when the couple, of Granville Court, Granville Road, Maidstone, unexpectedly received packages containing £1,362 of adult novelty clothing last October.

In fact the lingerie had been intended for the company Pillow Talk in Sandling Road.

Both Stephens and Eastell signed for the goods on separate occasions and Eastell also signed for goods under a false name.

Some of the items were subsequently advertised for sale on eBay, although Eastell said this was to find out how much they were worth.

Stephens denied having the goods on two occasions when questioned by first a representative from Pillowtalk, and later a Royal Mail delivery man, believing himself to be the victim of a scam.

Defending Russell Morling said the pair had been punished enough by having their names printed in the Kent Messenger.

He said: "He (Stephens) was running a successful delivery company which is now falling by the wayside as one large contract has been ceased.

"She (Eastell) was suspended when this came out and could lose her job completely."

He added: "They have appeared in the KM and had their names put before the public which is a lot more than other defendants get.

"It was published because of the titilation factor, if it had been something else perhaps it would never have come to the attention of the press.

"That’s had a great effect on them."

Stephens was sentenced for two charges of theft and given a community order for 12 months, and required to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

Eastell was sentenced for two theft charges and one charge of fraud by false representation. A work requirement was not deemed suitable for her because of her health, and she was given a community order for six months with a curfew requirement with electronic tagging for four months between 7pm-7am.

Magistrates said they would review the order if she was required to work during these hours.

Both defendants were ordered to pay costs of £300.