A WOMAN charged with a raft of thefts from retail stores and an assault has appeared in court.

Katie Swiderek, of Phoenix Brow, St Helens, appeared before Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 21.

Swiderek, 38, was charged with seven thefts over a three-month period.

She was accused of on July 27 stealing gammon and bacon, to the value of £35, from the Co-op on Higher Parr Street.

Meanwhile, on August 20 she reportedly stole two handbags, worth £44, belonging to River Island, in St Helens.

On September 24, Swiderek allegedly stole two handbags, to the value of £50, belonging to TK Maxx.

Two days later, on September 26, she reportedly stole a coat , to the value of £69.99, from TK Maxx.

Meanwhile, on October 14 she allegedly stole two Michael Kors coats, worth £209.98, belonging to TK Maxx.

And on October 16 the 38-year-old reportedly stole three more Michael Kors coats, to the value of £359.97, from TK Maxx.

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Meanwhile, Swiderek was also charged with common assault of a male in relation to an incident on July 27.

Before magistrates, the defendant pleaded guilty to the assault and indicated guilty pleas to the seven thefts.

Swiderek was remanded on conditional bail until her next hearing at the magistrates' court on November 26.