A THIEF with numerous shoplifting convictions sobbed as she pleaded guilty to stealing her latest loot — clothes hangers from Primark.

Kirsty Donnachie, 42, helped herself to a pack of the items after paying for garments at a checkout area in the Oak Mall store on Tuesday.

She later stated to police after being cautioned and charged: “Why do I keep doing this? I’m so stupid.”

Donnachie appeared in an emotional state from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court after a night in a cell to admit the theft, which has been valued at just £4.

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife — who submitted a schedule of previous convictions — said: “At 1pm the accused approached the checkout and paid for items but as she walked away she picked up a set of hangers from a sale bin.

“The hangers are valued at £4 and they were recovered.”

The court heard that Donnachie, of Prospecthill Court, was previously barred from Greenock’s Tesco Extra store, pictured, for stealing costume jewellery.

A warrant for her arrest was issued in June after she failed to appear in court on a charge of stealing beauty products from Semi Chem on West Stewart Street. Donnachie stole the hangers from Primark whilst on bail regarding another criminal matter.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton remarked: “I think the comment is, why indeed.” Donnachie could offer no explanation for what she did and stated from the dock that she has a drug problem but the theft of the hangers had nothing to do with funding her habit.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said: “It was stupidity. She had spent £20 legitimately and these hangers were at the end of the checkout. “She was stopped by staff at the doorway of the store.

“There is an issue with illicit valium.”

Sheriff Hamilton deferred sentence until January 8 for a background report.