Two single mums avoided jail after revealing they stole thousands worth of toiletries to resell on the black market to help them through the cost of living crisis.
Kelly Rowlands, 41, and 34-year old Stephanie Goulding took £2250 worth of washing, cleaning and cosmetic products during two trips to Boots' Southport branch. The pair, from Halewood, then planned to sell the stolen items after finding themselves "struggling."
They said due to high bills and lack of maintenance from their children's fathers, they were forced into the shoplifting. Sefton magistrates court heard how the mothers, who each have two children, were spared jail after admitting theft and were instead ordered to complete 12 month community orders.
