A MOTHER who hid stolen alcohol and air fresheners in her pram has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Kelly Traynor admitted two charges of theft when she appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today. (NOV 28)

The 23-year-old of Norwich Gardens in Willington stole the goods to sell to buy heroin, magistrates were told.

Prosecutor Heather Wilkinson said she entered the Co-op in Spennymoor at about 1.30pm on October 24 and hid £61 worth of air fresheners and washing detergent tablets in her pram before leaving the store.

On November 7 she did the same with three bottles of vodka worth £39 at the Co-op in Crook.

On both occasions she was spotted by store staff and reported to police, the court heard.

In mitigation the court heard that she is already working with the probation service to tackle her drug use.

The magistrates’ were told that she has a seven-year-old son who she gives money towards but does not live with.

Traynor was given an eight week prison sentence suspended for nine months with a drug rehabilitation requirement. She was also ordered to pay £31.50 compensation to the Spennymoor Co-op and £19.50 to the Crook store.