A woman who turned to drink following the death of her mother and the breakdown of a long-term relationship ended up stealing bottles of vodka.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Catherine Mulcahy stole to fund her drinking but after being caught and charged with shoplifting had changed her ways.

Mulcahy, 42, of Tong Lane, Bacup, pleaded guilty to two charges of stealing vodka worth £36 from Morrisons. She was fined £160 and ordered to pay £72 compensation.

The offences occurred on November 20 and 21, 2023.

Mark Williams, in mitigation, said his client hadn’t been in trouble since 2011.

“At the time of these offences she was going through a bad period in her life,” said Mr Williams.

“Her mother passed away and then she split from her long-term partner.

“Her life fell apart and she just started drinking too much and couldn’t afford it.”

Mr Williams said that since the offences were committed in November his client had turned her life around.

“She realised where she was going and decided to do something about it,” added Mr Williams.

“She hasn’t had a drink for some time and there have been no further offences in the last eight months.”