A JEWELLERY company representative urged a contact to “deny knowledge” of her if questioned by police investigating stock theft.

Leslie Marie Gibson texted the woman, who previously bought charm bracelets from her, when the theft from the Pandora distribution premises, in Shildon, County Durham, came to light last July.

Durham Crown Court heard it was reported to police and Gibson was suspected.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, said her text read: “I’m being investigated at work for selling charms.

“If they contact you and ask if you know me, or had a list sent, please will you deny any knowledge."

Gibson was arrested and bailed pending further inquiries, but police told her not to contact the woman or another potential witness.

Further contact was made, however, with Gibson and a friend asking what they told police.

“When questioned she admitted sending the text, effectively asking the woman to lie on her behalf," he said.

But Mr Newcombe said her efforts proved “ineffectual” as neither woman gave false information.

He added that the evidence in the theft inquiry will be reviewed later this week.

Gibson, 42, of Brougham Court, Peterlee, who is of previous good character, admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Martin Scarborough, mitigating, told the court: “Clearly she was in a panic and not thinking straight.”

Recorder Jonathan Aitken passed a one-year community order with nine months supervision and ordered the mother-of-two to perform 80-hours’ unpaid work and pay £50 costs.