TWO thieves from Edinburgh were caught red-handed with fragrances worth more than £1,000 which they had just stolen from Dunfermline's Debenhams store.

Joanne Shields and Paul Taylor appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday after admitting the theft, which took place on February 1.

Taylor, 27, of Niddrie House Avenue, also admitted failing to appear at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on February 28 without reasonable excuse.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said the pair were spotted by Debenhams' loss prevention officer, who was suspicious of them and alerted police and security staff from the Kingsgate Centre.

After leaving the store, they were stopped by police officers. Shields was found in possession of a carrier bag containing 10 high-value fragrances worth £1,038.

Defence solicitor Rosni Joshi said Shields, 24, of Davit Gate, had financial and emotional difficulties which led to her committing the offence.

Melissa Virtue, agent for Taylor, added: "Financial hardship seems to have played a part in his decision-making."

Sheriff Craig McSherry deferred sentencing on Shields for three months for her to be of good behaviour. He placed Taylor on a restriction of liberty order for four months and fined him £70 for failing to appear at court.