A TREDWORTH teenager who was "skint" and had no money for food stole batteries from a city centre store.

The 17-year-old, who up until recently was homeless, pleaded guilty to theft, when she appeared before city youth magistrates.

Prosecuting solicitor Teresa Perry said: "The defendant walked into Superdrug in King's Walk, took out her personal CD player and selected some batteries from a display, taking four of them out of the wrappings. She was confronted by a store detective and the police were called.

"The defendant has previous convictions for dishonesty, has had four referral orders and a number of absolute discharges."

A youth offending team spokesman added: "She is currently on a 12-month referral order and has been making progress since June."

The defendant said: "I know I deserve to be punished but I am skint and have no money for food."

Defending solicitor Wendy Kingsbury said: "Until a month ago she was on the street. But she is now in bed and breakfast accommodation, although this is far from ideal.

"She stole the batteries to put in her personal stereo to listen to music as she cycled to Cheltenham to collect her benefit money."

Telling the defendant they were giving her one last chance, the magistrates imposed an absolute discharge but requested the youth offending team to see her at least twice every week during the existing referral order.