Shoplifter who liked M&S

A shoplifter with a taste for the Marks and Spencer brand yesterday admitted stealing more than €1,000 worth of items from its Sliema branch.

She also stole €600 in costume jewellery from Claire’s at the airport departure lounge.

Unemployed Mariella Monreal, 37, from Kirkop, took an array of goods ranging from sheets to clothing and costume jewellery from M&S.

Ms Monreal had been stealing for months until she was caught red handed by police officers on Saturday. A search of her house yielded more stolen items.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli conditionally discharged her for three years after taken into consideration that some items were recovered and that she admitted at an early stage of the proceedings.