A TEENAGE shop assistant who stole clothes worth £2,500 to sell on eBay has been told she will be spared jail.

Gemma Spavin took dozens of items of clothing from stock at the TK Maxx store in Crompton Place over a seven-month spell this year and pocketed hundreds of pounds from their sale on the internet.

The 19-year-old, of Raymond Street, Bury, yesterday (Monday) pleaded guilty to one count of theft at Bolton Crown Court and will be sentenced next month.

The charges relate to more than 100 items of clothing taken from the store between January 1 and July 31 this year.

Bosses at the store became suspicious and contacted police who seized clothing and computer equipment at Spavin's home.

An eBay account in her name was later discovered to have been used to sell items to buyers who bought them in good faith.

Judge Steven Everett said: "The time has not yet come when you should lose your liberty because you are young and still have a lot to offer society.

"I have indicated that the maximum sentence I will impose on you is a six month suspended sentence.

"When I have heard from your legal representatives, that might be reduced further to a community penalty."

Spavin was remanded on bail until January 22 when she will appear at court to be sentenced.