A WOMAN was seen on CCTV stealing a handbag from a Ross-on-Wye pub.

Sharon Rosemary Tremlett, 42, of Verschoyle Gardens, Ross-on-Wye, said she couldn't remember stealing the handbag, which was found behind the sofa in her property.

She pleaded guilty at Hereford Magistrates Court last week to stealing the handbag containing £110.

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said that the incident happened on December 22, when the complainant had been at Wetherspoons in Ross-on-Wye. She placed her handbag on the bar and asked her boyfriend to keep an eye on it while she spoke to friends.

"During this time the defendant made her way to the bar and took the handbag before going out the back of the pub," said Mr Beale.

"This was caught on CCTV and she was recognised by a member of staff."

Police officers went to Tremlett's home address at 9.30pm and she was arrested by officers. The stolen handbag was found down the back of the sofa. A small amount of cannabis was found on the coffee table and £40 cash.

When interviewed Tremlett said that she had been drinking with her brother since 11.30am and finished in Wetherspoons. She said that she didn't remember taking the handbag but accepts she must have stolen it. Tremlett said that she didn't have any knowledge of £110 inside the handbag.

Mr Beale added that Tremlett was cautioned by police for the possession of cannabis.

Chris Read, mitigating, said that Tremlett had clearly drank to excess.

"It was the Friday before Christmas and Tremlett was out celebrating," said Mr Read.

"Her last clear memory was her brother leaving the pub about 3pm and she doesn't recall going back into Wetherspoons. She says she must have done it but doesn't remember doing it."

Tremlett was ordered to pay a £80 fine, £110 compensation, £185 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.