A 26-year-old Barrow mum went on a shoplifting spree with her two kids in tow. 

Louise Chambers appeared before Furness Magistrates' Court, where she admitted stealing £48.60 of goods from B&M Bargains in Hindpool Road, Barrow, on October 1. 

Prosecutor Mr Lee Dacre explained how the Schooner Street resident, of Barrow Island, was spotted in the store at around 4.30pm. 

He said: "A female was seen in the shop with a large bag full of items but no trolley or basket. 

"The defendant was with her two children. 

"When she went to leave the store, she was challenged by staff and she began shouting at staff. 

"She then left the bag containing the goods behind and left the store." 

It contained items of food and cosmetics and Chambers was later arrested on suspicion of theft. 

Mr Dacre told the court that the defendant had 12 convictions for 24 offences. 

Mr Micheal Graham defended Chambers at the Abbey Road court, Barrow, on Tuesday. 

He said: "There is a myriad of reasons as to why she committed this offence. 

"She was taking the items because she was having accommodation issues and benefits problems. 

"She has an array of assistance from various agencies. 

"She had no money and her medication wasn't correct. This has since been tweaked and things have settled down overall." 

Magistrates gave Chambers credit for her early guilty plea. 

She was fined £70 and told to pay a £20 victim surcharge. 

She was also told to pay a £150 criminal court charge.