A WOMAN has appeared before magistrates charged with stealing almost £26,000 worth of lottery tickets and scratch cards from the newsagents where she was working.

Lisa Johnston faces three charges of stealing lottery tickets and scratch cards with a total value of £25,830 from Christopher Young of Youngs newsagents in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The 34-year-old is also alleged to have committed fraud by handing in the stolen items at Tesco and claiming the winnings for herself.

The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between September 2013 and March last year, while Ms Johnston, of Skerne Way, Darlington, was working at the family business, located in Newton Aycliffe town centre.

She did not enter a plea to any of the offences at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, March 18) and the bench committed the case to Durham Crown Court.

Ms Johnston’s solicitor, Rory Todd, said: “For the purpose of the court record I would like to indicate that guilty pleas will be forthcoming at the crown court.”

Dressed in burgundy coat and jeans, Ms Johnston spoke only to provide her name, address and date of birth and to confirm she was withholding pleas.

Ms Johnston will appear at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday, April 1.

She was granted unconditional bail until that date.