A SHOPLIFTER tried to run away with more than £120 worth of stock from TK Maxx after the store's security alarms went off when she was leaving.

Toni McCourt, 33, entered the department store at the Glasgow Fort on the afternoon of September 22, 2019, and stole items worth a total value of £122.91.

A member of security staff was suspicious of the large sports bag she walked in with and monitored her on the in-store CCTV system.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court, prosecutor Ramsay Cunningham said: “The employee observed her picking up a basket. The accused could be seen collecting items and placing them within the basket.

“She entered the in-store lift still in possession of the basket and the sports bag. She left a short time later and the basket had fewer items within it.

“The accused was observed to continue to move around the store before re-entering the lift and exiting it. Again, more items were within the sports bag and less within the basket.

“She returned various items from within the basket and made her way to the front entrance, passing all points of payment. Door alarms went off and the accused immediately ran towards the road and car park area.”

Members of security confronted McCourt, and she was escorted back into the shop.

Cops arrived and spoke with her in the security office.

The court heard that the large sports bag had various items in it and a receipt detailing the stolen goods was handed to police.

McCourt was cautioned and charged.

Her defence solicitor said: “She has a background of mental health and drug misuse. She was in the Army until 2010. She suffered trauma in Afghanistan and has since been diagnosed with PTSD.

“She began to misuse drugs after what happened to her. She feels she had begun to deal with her addiction problems but there’s since been a relapse and drugs have become a problem for her again.

“The misuse of drugs is the main root of her offending behaviour. She has referred herself to addiction services and has an appointment with Combat Street this afternoon.

“She was subject to a community payback order with supervision until last week and did benefit from the supervision.”

Sheriff Jonathan Guy pointed out that the social work report suggested McCourt didn’t fully engage with the previous order.

Her lawyer added: “Her position is that she would comply with supervision and is keen for it.”

The sheriff said: “In regard to the circumstances and the fact there was a full recovery of the items, I’m going to deal with this matter by imposing one-year supervision. If you don’t comply you will be brought back and dealt with.”

McCourt, of Easterhouse, will return to court in April for a review.