A Cardigan woman stole a block of cheese as a form of ‘self harm’, a court heard last week.

Rosalyne Agnes Molly Gallagher, aged 54, of 17 Heol Hafod, Cardigan, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft from a shop when she appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates on Wednesday.

She admitted stealing a block of cheese worth £1.89 from Aldi stores on March 7.

The court heard that Gallagher, who has previous convictions for similar offences, went to the store at around 7.30pm and was seen to put various items in a basket and one in her bag.

Staff followed her outside and Gallagher accepted she had taken the cheese when the police arrived, and paid for it.

Stephen Welch, defending, said his client apologised for her actions.

He said: “She was being watched because of her previous history, which suggests that by taking the item she knew there was likelihood that she would be caught.

“It’s a kind of self harm, putting herself in jeopardy. There was little to be gained in taking £1.89 of cheese. She probably would not have eaten it.

“It’s a strange physiological process, but that’s what I’ve been told.”

Mr Welch added that Gallagher had made a full admission and expressed genuine remorse at the scene.

The presiding magistrate said: “Unfortunately, this is going to be a very expensive piece of cheese. We are giving you another chance with a fine.”

Gallagher was fined £75 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.