A woman was caught by security staff as she tried to steal a DVD player from a store, a court heard.

Roydell Stovell, 52, was spotted trying to smuggle the goods out of P-Tech and the Phoenix store in Reid Street.

Crown counsel Maria Sofianos said Stovell was seen picking up the $259 player at 4.45 p.m. on December 27.

"She then proceeded to walk out of the store without paying," said Ms Sofianos.

Security staff apprehended her and called the Police. Under interview on December 28 Stovell admitted the theft.

Plea Court heard Stovell had a list of dishonesty offences dating back to 1974.

She told Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner yesterday: "I'm sorry your judge, it's just a habit I've got because I've got no money."

Mr. Warner told her: "You know very well you can't go round stealing people's things just because you have got no money."

He gave Stovell a year's conditional discharge.