Susan Doolan, 58, was bailed and placed on a deferral of sentence after she was detected stealing close to $140 worth of stock from Intersport Bennett's and Priceline in Echuca on September 8.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Chris Cole said Doolan and a co-accused attended Intersport Bennett's in Hare St Echuca about 4pm where Doolan put a pair of Nike branded basketball shorts, valued at $89, inside her bag.
The court heard she then selected a pair of runners worth $144 from display, placing one of the shoes inside her bag before later removing it.
Snr Constable Cole said Doolan, who was on bail at the time, told a witness the shorts were hers before leaving the store without making any attempt to pay.
The court was told 30 minutes later Doolan and the co-accused attended Priceline where they were seen by a witness talking on the footpath before entering the store.
Doolan then browsed the men's fragrances before heading to the register to buy a small item.
The co-accused then entered the store, selected a bottle of men's fragrance worth $49 and concealed it in their clothing.
Snr Constable Cole said Doolan was arrested on October 10 at 4.35am.
The accused's lawyer Luke Slater described his client's life as "difficult", saying she was supported in court by her 25-year-old daughter who had managed to "not follow in her mother's footsteps".
Mr Slater said Doolan was grieving the sudden loss of her former partner's father who died at the weekend while she was in custody.
“The reality of being in custody during these family times has been a sober wake-up call for her,” he said.
Mr Slater said Doolan was diagnosed with bipolar effective disorder and had a possible physiological problem with shop theft.
Magistrate Peter Mithen ordered a report to be compiled by Doolan's doctor to help "better inform" the court of her condition.
He bailed Doolan and deferred sentencing, with the woman set to face court again on February 15.
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