AN administrative error by police meant that a woman was summoned back to court for a minor theft offence after she had already served time for offences committed at the same time.

Kelly Lynn, 30, was bailed without charge by police in February, even after she had admitted stealing a toothbrush set and shower gel, worth £8.65, from Sainsbury's, Darlington, that month.

Lynn, who said she used to drink up to four litres of cider a day, pleaded guilty at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday to theft, and Claire Brinton, prosecuting, confirmed Lynn was spotted on CCTV.

Rory Todd, in mitigation, said: "She was a arrested a couple of days after the offence took place and made full admissions to it. I don't know why they bailed her without charge.

"She was sentenced for a number of theft offences on February 22 and received a 20-week sentence in total, of which she served four weeks.

"Since her release on April 12, she hasmanaged to stop drinking, she has moved out of Darlington where it is more quiet and she is settled. This offence is hanging over her head."

Magistrates gave her a sixmonth conditional discharge.