TWO intoxicated shoplifters worked together to steal 12 cans of lager from Lidl in Newport.

Emma James, 37, of no fixed address, and Andrew Taylor, 41, of Carisbrooke Road, Newport, each admitted theft from a shop when they appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court yesterday (Tuesday).

James stole the Kronenburg lager worth £13.41 out of the shop and passed it on to Taylor outside, explained Ann Smout, prosecuting.

It was around 8pm on April 13 and police saw James coming out of Lidl and giving the cans to Taylor, who hid them in his rucksack.

Both were intoxicated and both arrested.

Oscar Vincent, representing both defendants, said they pleaded guilty on the grounds it was a joint enterprise.

The court heard from a probation officer that James is alcohol dependant, presents as depressed and in poor health, and often gets taken advantage of.

James was fined £80, with £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.

Taylor was given a six-month conditional discharge, with £85 costs and a £22 surcharge.