A THIEF who stole goods from an Inverclyde store twice in the same day claimed she handed money to a staff member BEFORE reaching a checkout.

Sandra Deafley — whose evidence was branded ‘incredible’ — has been convicted of the double raid at Greenock’s B&M outlet along with co-accused Margaret Blakley, 45.

Deafley, 44, stole items in both the morning and afternoon last October, but it is still not known precisely what she helped herself to.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how Deafley — who protested her innocence despite Blakley pleading guilty — claimed she had given £20 to a worker prior to reaching the checkout area during the earlier spree.

She also told the court that she returned to the store later and used a credit card to pay for more items which had been ‘voided’ at the till.

Procurator fiscal Kevin Doherty said: “There was clear evidence from B&M witnesses which can be accepted as credible and reliable.” Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said his client’s position had been ‘consistent from the start’, adding: “That cannot be said of the co-accused.

“The very next day my client was back in the store to hand back what she thought was all that had been ‘purchased’ the day before.

“There is some doubt over what took place.” But Sheriff Derek Hamilton told Deafley: “It lacks credibility that you would go around the shop and before you got to the checkout hand the cashier £20 to cover your shopping.

“Regarding the second matter, I don’t accept that you tried to pay by credit card once something was voided and don’t accept that you attempted to pay for a zero value of goods.

“There is no evidence of any card transaction.

“There is a complete lack of credibility here and I have no hesitation in finding you guilty.” Deafley, of West Stewart Street, and Blakley, of Kelly Street, stole a quantity of merchandise, the exact nature of which is meantime unknown.

Sheriff Hamilton deferred sentence on Deafley and Blakley until 22 October for reports.