A Leicester woman who stole more than £100 worth of items from a Tesco Express had her brother waiting outside in a disabled bay with the engine running, ready to drive her away.
Amy Badger, 37, took goods worth £114.35 from the store in Melton Road, Belgrave, on February 1.
The theft occurred in full view of a shop employee - but Badger escaped with all her goods.
She was later arrested and appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Monday, where she pleaded guilty to theft.
Amy Badger 'walked straight out of the shop' when she was noticed by staff - before fleeing in her brother's car
Prosecutor Christina Bilbao told the court: "A shop employee noticed the defendant come in with her own bags, as well as a basket, and watched the defendant as she put groceries into her basket then took them out of the basket and put them into her bag."
The prosecutor added: "The defendant realised the shop employee had noticed her and she moved to another aisle and then walked straight out of the shop.
"She went to a vehicle parked in a disabled bay with the engine on and a male driver at the wheel."
During a police interview, Badger confirmed the driver was her brother, who was operating his mobility vehicle.
The court heard Badger had received a conditional caution for shoplifting in November last year.
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Badger told police the driver was her brother, who was operating his mobility vehicle
Bilbao argued the crime involved "a degree of planning - there's someone waiting for the defendant outside with the engine running."
Defence solicitor Raza Sakhi retorted: "There was little or no planning.
"It was a spur of the moment offence."
He added: "She does want the court to know it's been a difficult three years for her.
'It's been a difficult three years for her,' badger's defence lawyer said at Leicester Magistrates' Court
PA
"Three years ago her kids went to live with their father, and she's not seen them."
Sakhi said his client was taking medication for mental health issues.
Badger, of Linney Road, Beaumont Leys, received an 18-month conditional discharge.
She was ordered to pay £114.35 compensation to Tesco, £85 court costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
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