TWO shoplifters who stole hundreds of pounds of goods from an Ellesmere Port store were caught when they returned to the premises the following day.

Louise Whelan, 28, of Arkle Road, Prenton and Carla Bratkowski, 32, of Mercer Road, Bidston, stole items collectively worth £267.84 from B&M on Station Road on November 4.

Both pleaded guilty to the offence when they appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, November 23.

They were each fined £150 and told to pay the outstanding sum as compensation to B&M – which equated to £133.92 each.

Chair of magistrates Clive Mason also rebuked the pair after Whelan started laughing while in the dock, saying: "I can't sit next to her!"

Mr Mason warned them they could be sent to the cells and the case would proceed without them.

Prosecuting, Alan Currums said the duo had left the store on November 4 with a trolley full of goods including electrical items and alcohol.

When they returned to the store the following day security staff recognised them and they were arrested.

The items were not recovered.

Defending, Richard Sibeon said the pair had not come to Ellesmere Port with the intention of stealing.

Bratkowski had no previous convictions for shoplifting and while Whelan had an "extensive" record, she had kept out of trouble the past four years prior to the offence.

As well as the fine and compensation, both defendants must each pay £85 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.