A SERIAL shoplifter has again appeared in court after she was caught by plain clothes police.

Lily Nash, 19, of Linden Road, Newport, pleaded guilty to theft when she appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court yesterday (Tuesday).

The court heard she was spotted on CCTV stealing £26 worth of makeup from Superdrug, in Newport High Street, on December 5.

She was arrested by officers carrying out an operation to tackle shoplifting.

Ann Smout, prosecuting, said: "Ms Nash entered the shop with two friends. They split up, picked out items from around the shop and placed them in Ms Nash's bag. She was fully aware of what they were doing."

Nash was serving a suspended sentence at the time of the offence, for assaulting a police officer.

Barry Arnett, defending, said: "I have known Ms Nash for quite a long time. This is not the world's most significant offence."

Magistrates decided against activating Nash's suspended sentence and sending her to prison. Instead, she was given conditional discharge.

She was ordered to pay court costs of £40 and surcharge of £21.

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