A HARD-UP woman stole a hand-held personal organiser from a computer store because she needed cash to pay her bills.

Sarah Spencer, aged 22, of Chedworth Drive, Warndon, Worcester, stole the gadget, worth £189.99, from PC World in the city.

She admitted the theft at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday.

Sallie Hewitt, prosecuting, said staff became concerned when she began “milling around” near some high-value displays.

Mrs Hewitt said: “She was seen to leave the store with a bulge under her coat which hadn’t been there when she entered the store. The alarm was activated and the defendant was followed and asked to stop. She wouldn’t stop. Police were then called.”

Spencer was detained by police in Newport Street, Worcester city centre, where the personal organiser was recovered.

Mrs Hewitt said: “In interview she fully admitted the theft, which she said was down to her financial difficulties – she had no money for food, gas and electric. She has numerous previous convictions for theft and dishonesty.”

Her last conviction was Thursday, September 11, when she was sentenced for theft and breach of a conditional discharge and sent to prison for 20 weeks.

Rob Macrory, defending, said she had stolen to sell on the goods to fund essential items, not to fund a drug habit as her methadone prescription meant she was no longer taking drugs.

He added: “She has been in receipt of no money since leaving prison four weeks ago.”

Magistrates decided to defer the sentence until May 21 next year.