A 64-YEAR-OLD voluntary worker with mobility problems has refused to shop at a department store after she was charged with stealing a bottle of wine.

Joyce Whelan of Outram Street, Darlington, was found not guilty of stealing the £3.29 bottle at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday.

She was charged with stealing the wine from Marks and Spencer, in Darlington, on November 16 last year.

Despite shopping at the store for more than 15 years, she said: "I will never go there again."

The court heard that Mrs Whelan was observed by a security guard, Stephen Hughes, for 25 minutes.

Mr Hughes said she went to a till to pay for the shopping but looked round, and put the wine into a black bag. She then moved to an express till to pay for the rest of her goods. When he challenged her, she offered to pay for the bottle.

Mr Hughes said: "Our policy is no tolerance, zero tolerance."

The police were called and Mrs Whelan was interviewed and charged.

Mrs Whelan, who works voluntarily at the town's Red Cross shop and has a spinal problem, said: "I think I acted in a confused manner.

"I don't know why he was following me round in the first place. Why did he follow me round for 25 minutes?"

Colin Beadle, chairman of the magistrates, said: "She had a (bank) card, previous good character, the wine was of reasonable low value and shopping can be difficult for her because of her mobility.

"We believe confusion led to her not paying for the wine."

Mrs Whelan said following the case she had found the whole experience disgraceful.

She added: "It has been extremely distressing and it has made me very angry and anxious."

A spokesman for Marks and Spencer declined to comment.