SAINSBURY'S has banned a York woman from all its stores after she was caught stealing a bottle of vodka just before Christmas, a court heard.

Maxine Cosgrove, 52, could not afford the £14.88 bottle and was feeling depressed as the festive season approached, York magistrates heard.

Steven Ovenden, prosecuting, described how she hid a 1.5 litre bottle of vodka under a newspaper on December 19.

She paid for several items, but not the vodka. But staff at Sainsbury's had seen her actions and stopped her as soon as she stepped outside their Fossbank store.

"Sainsbury's have given her a letter saying she is excluded from all Sainsbury stores as of December 19," said defence solicitor Sally Howard.

Cosgrove, of Rowntree Avenue, Clifton, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of Sainsbury's own brand vodka. The court heard she had only one previous conviction for shoplifting, committed in 1987.

Magistrates gave her an absolute discharge, saying she appeared to be a woman with enormous difficulties.

Mrs Howard said Cosgrove had a drink problem which she was controlling by attending Alcoholics Anonymous.

"Christmas is a very difficult time for some people and it was a particularly difficult time for her," said the solicitor. Cosgrove was estranged from her daughter and her own mother had died, leaving her entirely on her own.

She had had problems with a neighbour that led to her losing friends on the estate where she lives. She also has medical problems and is awaiting a gynaecological operation. Although a doctor has prescribed her tranquillisers, she avoids taking them because she fears she could become addicted to them, said Mrs Howard.

On December 19, Cosgrove had been feeling so dispirited and low. She had taken the vodka, although she knew it was wrong. She had not gone into the store with the intention of stealing anything.

Updated: 12:33 Saturday, December 29, 2001