A Pembroke Dock couple, who wanted to make money by selling stolen items as a way of supporting their five children, were told to “sort their lives out” by Haverfordwest magistrates.

Andrew Norman Stewart, aged 27, and his wife Lisa Joanne, aged 34, of Munro Court, Pembroke Dock, were arrested for shoplifting and attempted shoplifting from stores in the town.

The court heard that CCTV footage at the Boots store, in Diamond Street, caught the couple putting cosmetic items into their shopping bags and leaving without paying.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, said that Andrew Stewart was apprehended outside the Q&S store, in St Govan Shopping Centre, by police, who then spotted Lisa Stewart crouching down and putting items in her bag.

A search of her bags revealed a large quantity of make-up from Boots and baby shoes and socks from Q&S.

Alun Morgan, defending, said: “Mr and Mrs Stewart have been in financial difficulties and turned to crime to resolve them.

“They have five children and the pressures of running a family home got too much for them.”

Both pleaded guilty to shoplifting from Boots and Lisa Stewart also admitted to attempted theft from Q&S.

Lisa Stewart was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs, by Haverfordwest magistrates.

Her husband was fined £85, ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Delivering the sentence, the presiding magistrate said: “Those children won’t have you with them for much longer if you do not sort your life out shortly.”