Two sisters have been banned from entering the Orbital shopping centre after stealing hundreds of pounds of goods from shops to pay their bills.

Kasie Jade McGailey and Tabitha Aimme McGailey were caught red-handed with booze, baby products and healthcare products in their car after shoplifting from the centre on November 12, 2021.

Their advocate said the offences were out of “sheer desperation”, were “sparked” by the Government axing the Universal Credit uplift just weeks earlier, and that they would have sold off the alcohol to pay for electricity bills.

The pair were spotted in the centre’s Asda store by security and had been detained. As police arrived, they were arguing with security guards, prosecutor Keith Ballinger told Swindon Magistrates’ Court.

“The suspected stolen items were with Tabitha, she was arrested and Kasie was allowed to go home,” he added.

But officers then searched their car and found a large number of items, including gin and baby products.

“Enquiries in the stores showed both ladies selecting and concealing items,” Mr Ballinger added.

In total, the pair stole £320 in health and beauty products from Boots and 14 alcohol bottles, worth £297, from Marks and Spencer.

Tabitha was charged with stealing baby powder and clothes to the value of £129.50 from Asda.

All items were recovered, the court was also told.

Representing both sisters, Emma Hillier said in mitigation: “In relation to these offences, they were committed out of sheer desperation for providing for their children and the alcohol would have been sold to put some electricity on both their houses.

“What seems to have sparked these offences is the government reduced Universal Credit by £80 a month around this time and this has had a knock-on impact for both these ladies.

“Both of these ladies appreciate they need help and support around their finances.”

Sentencing, magistrates warned 20-year-old Kasie and 26-year-old Tabitha that the next time they appear before the courts, they’ll be facing jail.

The bench gave Kasie, of The Circle in Pinehurst, a 12-month community order, with 10 rehabilitation activity days. Tabitha, of Edencroft in Highworth, was also given a 12-month community order, but with 12 rehabilitation activity days.

Both were banned from going to the Orbital, and ordered to pay a £95 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.

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