AN East Lambrook woman who was caught stealing some soft toys from a service station claimed that strong painkillers she had been prescribed had made her feel disorientated.

Marilyn Isaacs was caught on camera going to the shop at the Broadway Service Station in Merriott and helping herself to the goods.

After being identified and interviewed she said she had been taking codeine at the time of the offence which may have affected her judgement, Somerset Magistrates were told.

The 47-year-old defendant, of Owl Street, pleaded guilty to the theft of two teddy bears and some water at Broadway Service Station on February 7 when she appeared in the dock at Yeovil.

Emma Lenanton, prosecuting, said that Isaacs was caught on CCTV entering the shop in the company of another female.

“The defendant concealed some cuddly toys and some water and then left without paying for the items which were worth approximately £25,” she said.

Defending solicitor Jeffrey Bannister said that his client had been on anti-spressants for some time and had also been prescribed some strong painkillers after suffering a broken arm.

“That may have been sufficient to disinhibit her and she just went into the store and took these items,” he said.

“She was taking codeine when the offence was committed and may well have affected her judgement at the time,” he said.

The magistrates imposed a 12 month conditional discharge and also ordered her to pay £12.50 compensation to the shop along with £50 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.