A WOMAN used "trolley dash" methods to raid a series of Worcestershire stores including two in Bromsgrove, a court was told.

Magistrates in Droitwich Spa heard how Jacqueline Burbridge, of De Wyche Road, Wychbold, was caught after making off with £432 worth of drinks from Bromsgrove's Safeway store on Thursday January 18.

Prosecuting lawyer Susan Cliff said a member of staff became suspicious after seeing the 31-year-old plucking bottle after bottle from the shelves.

Mrs Cliff added: "She told him it was for a wake, as her mother had died."

Burbridge was stopped after rushing through the exit with a trolley, claiming she had forgotten to pay.

She was caught stealing goods priced £323 from Tesco at St Peter's, in Worcester, on Saturday March 10.

Last August, she stole meat and clothes valued at £39 from ASDA, in Bromsgrove.

Burbridge, who asked for a charge of handling stolen goods to be taken into consideration, admitted five counts of theft during Friday's hearing.

Mrs Cliff claimed Burbridge had worked with two others to carry out "trolley dash" thefts.

But John Onions, defending, disputed this.

He said his client had been motivated by heroin addiction, but was seeking help from the organisation Turning Point.

He said: "She's at the tail end of a methadone script, and has gone from taking 66mg a day to 10mg."

The magistrates adjourned the case until Friday May 25 and bailed Burbridge after warning her all options were being considered.