A WOMAN from Wotton-under-Edge stole expensive Chanel face cream from a shop in Cribbs Causeway and then claimed a refund in a different store.

Melanie Storkey said she made an honest mistake, due to the cocktail of antidepressants and painkillers, including morphine patches, that she was on at the time.

The 46-year-old is accused of stealing the face cream, which had a price tag of £245, from Boots in The Mall. It is claimed she then sought a refund for the product at the neaby John Lewis store.

The case was heard at Bristol Crown Court yesterday.

Storkey, of Lisle Place, denies charges of theft and fraud.

A doctor confirmed that the defendant’s medication could have caused sedation and affected cognitive function at the time of the incident.

The case continues.