A CASHIER stole £6,000 from a bargain shop in Worcester by taking payment from customers but failing to scan the items.

Katie Lloyd falsely scanned items at the Home Bargains store in Shrub Hill Retail Park, in Tallow Hill, over a six month period between January and June this year.

Magistrates were told that 20-year-old Lloyd stole about £320 per week for her own financial gain.

She pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at Worcester Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Thursday, September 28.

Lloyd, of Buttermere Drive in Worcester, also pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis.

Magistrates heard that police discovered some items stolen from the shop at the defendant's home, alongside the drug.

Paul Stanley, defending, considered her "culpability" as a member of staff but pointed out the crime had not been sophisticated.

He said: "This is a young lady – it was her first offence. She has never been in trouble before.

"All I can tell you is she has no previous convictions, she is 20-years-old. She was fully remorseful."

The court heard Lloyd had got into debt and had used the cannabis to try to ease her concerns.

Magistrates handed her a 12-month community order which will include her having to complete 140 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £185, a victim surcharge of £85 and compensation to Home Bargains of £1,000.

A Home Bargains spokesman said: "We as a company do not comment on cases concerning individual employees.

"However, we can confirm that we take matters of theft and fraud committed against us very seriously.

"We operate a zero tolerance policy towards such incidences and we will always pursue appropriate action and provide all required assistance to the authorities in dealing with proceedings, against dishonest customers and employees."