A woman has been banned from shops in Grays for two years as part of a criminal behaviour order.

Martha Ernest pleaded guilty to three thefts in Poundland and Tesco when she appeared at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 30 May.

The 42-year-old from Argent Street, Grays, was sentenced to a 12-month community order and directed to attend a drug rehabilitation course after she was charged with thefts from two shops obstructing an officer in the execution of their duty when she gave a false name at the time of her arrest on Monday 29 May at Tesco, Southend Road, Grays.

She was also ordered to pay £241 compensation.

Ernest was issued a two-year criminal behaviour order starting 30 May which bans her from attending Grays Shopping Centre and Tesco, Southend Road.

The ban is in place until 29 May 2025.