A COUPLE plundered a store fridge of meat on their way home from a prison visit, a court heard.

Gordon McCulloch and Lynn Wilson took £89 worth of gammon and steak from a fridge display at the Co-op, in Newton Hall, Durham, in April.

Durham Crown Court was told they were caught in the act by the closed circuit TV system and later arrested.

McCulloch told officers he and his girlfriend were returning home to Sunderland from visiting his brother in Frankland Prison, Durham.

They called into the Co-op and both loaded a bag with joints from the fridge, at the suggestion of McCulloch.

Robin Patton, for Wilson, said she was just acting on the orders of her boyfriend, while Jamie Adams, for McCulloch, said it was the first time he had considered shoplifting, and it was merely to sell the meat to help with household bills.

McCulloch, of Argyle Square, and Wilson, of Moor Close, Hendon, both 35, each admitted theft.

Wilson also admitted handling a £300 suit taken in a break-in in Sunderland.

McCulloch was given a one- year probation order, while Wilson, already on probation, was given a one-year conditional discharge.

Judge Michael Cartlidge said he was giving them a chance, but would not be so lenient if they came before him in future.