TWO women stole nearly £300 of items from H&M in Festival Place, a court has been told.

On September 26 2020, Stacey Kerry Archibald, 36, and Shelly-Ann Mcdonald-Francis, 35, were travelling from their homes in London to visit friends in Bristol, when they decided to stop off in Basingstoke and carry out the theft.

Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday (September 10) from prosecutor David Fossler how the pair collectively stole £297 worth of items, which were later recovered.

Archibald, of Ringside Road, Croydon, and Mcdonald-Francis of Waleorde Road pleaded guilty to the theft charge and were visibly emotional as they were each handed an 18-month community order consisting of 120 hours of unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation activity days.

Defending Mcdonald-Francis, Alfie Doran told the court that she is a carer for her mother, who has mobility issues, and for her young son who is autistic, for whom many of the stolen items were intended for.

Mr Doran said: “In the past, she has been given community order and there were no breaches.

“She admits that she is ashamed. Since the incident, herself and her co-accused have fallen out, they are not friends any more.”

He added that his client wishes to move on with her life and be a “role model” for her son.

Addressing Mcdonald-Francis, the magistrates said: “We know that you want to move on with your life. Not only complete the activities but this time learn from them. Continuing to reoffend as your history suggests will not help you do what you say you want to do.”

Imposing the sentences, they added: “We do believe that there was an element of pre-planning, and that brings us to our decision.”