Melissa Brennan, 35, pleaded guilty to shoplifting and having goods in custody suspected of being stolen in Nowra Local Court on Monday.

Evidence before the court stated Brennan walked into the Aquatique Surf Shop in Nowra on April 19, removed an Apollo backpack from the rack and proceeded to take a number of items, including two pairs of leggings and shorts and perfume, from under her hooded jumper and put them into the bag.

The court heard she then attempted to walk from the store with the $70 bag, but was stopped by a staff member, who informed her the bag was not hers.

Brennan stopped and removed a number of items from the bag before leaving the store.

She was later stopped by a security guard at Stockland Nowra and found in possession of Decor perfume belonging to Terry White Chemist, four pairs of ladies underwear and bras from Best and Less, a cardigan and two pairs of black leggings and shorts. She had no receipts for any of the items.

Magistrate Gabriel Fleming sentenced her to six month’s jail. She will be eligible for release on March 18 next year.