A WOMAN suffering from mental problems obtained goods from a Worcester shop using a lost credit card, a court was told.

Katherine Melville bought jewellery and phone vouchers worth a total of £112 but staff became suspicious when she tried to buy rings during another visit.

Police recovered most of the valuables except a gold ring and a silver necklace after a search of her home, said Gareth Walters, prosecuting.

Melville, aged 25, admitted obtaining goods by deception, attempted deception and receiving a credit card which had been lost by its owner.

She was given a two-year conditional discharge at Worcester Crown Court.

Judge Andrew Geddes said it was clear she needed professional help and she was now receiving it.

He said he hoped she would emerge a much stronger and healthier woman.

Melville twice entered the Argos store in The Shambles on October 31, 2000, to obtain goods with the card.

But the third time she tried it she was recognised by staff, said Mr Walters. A check revealed the card had been reported lost.

Psychiatrist

She told police a man had given her the card and ordered her to obtain goods with it.

James McCracken, defending, said a psychiatrist's report showed she was suffering from mental problems, which had delayed the case coming to court.

Melville, of Stanley Road, off Wyld's Lane, Worcester, also asked for a similar deception offence to be taken into consideration.