A CARDIGAN woman who stole a greetings card, had a change of heart and returned to the scene of the theft, a court heard last week.

Rosalyne Gallagher, aged 53, of 17 Heol Hafod, pleaded guilty to stealing a £4 card from Pendre Art gallery when she appeared before Ceredigion magistrates on Wednesday.

The court heard that Gallagher was spotted acting suspiciously by gallery staff on October 17, and police were called after she was seen leaving the shop without paying for the card in her bag.

The defendant returned to the shop ten minutes later and pleaded with staff not to call the police. She offered to pay for the card, but the police arrived and she was taken to Cardigan police station.

Alan Lewis, defending, told the court his client suffered from mental health problems, but was getting support for her issues.

He said: “Over the last couple of months she has been particularly unwell. It has been a difficult time for her and she has been very, very, worried about this case.”

He added: “She did the next best thing and went back to pay for the card, and begged them not to call the police. She made a full and frank admission and has shown genuine remorse.”

Gallagher was given a six month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The presiding magistrate said: “We have heard that you had a change of heart and took the card back, and you feel great remorse for this.”