A 20-YEAR-OLD woman arrived in court with a bag of clothes ready to go to prison after stealing underwear from Primark in Lewisham High Street.

Mystique O'Donoghue, who lives in Southwark, was shopping with her sister on March 25 when she was spotted on CCTV hiding items including a hair band and a top inside her jacket and bag.

Prosecutor Clare Carey told Bromley Magistrates' Court yesterday: “She left the store with no intention to pay.

“She was arrested and made no comment in interview.”

The court heard how the items were all recovered by the store.

Defending O’Donoghue, Jo Barun said: “She is so remorseful that she is convinced you will send her into custody. She has a bag of clothing with her.

“This was an opportunistic theft. The reason she took this action is that she lives with her mother who is disabled. She is her mother’s carer, which is alarming.

“She is also dyslexic and has a hearing impediment.

“This is a young lady who has responsibility way above her years and she has no income at present.”

O’Donoghue pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

District Judge Julia Newton handed O’Donoghue a conditional discharge for 12 months and she was ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.