A woman has been charged with stealing goods worth more than £660 from two Derry shops in separate incidents earlier this year.

Mary Stokes, 38, of Clon Elagh, faces allegations that on April 12 she took beauty products valued at £568.98 from Bradley's Chemist. Police reviewed CCTV footage that they say shows two women entering the premises, moving through the aisles, and placing items into a bag.

In a second incident on March 3, Stokes is accused of stealing £91.66 worth of goods from Home Bargains. Officers who were on the premises for an unrelated matter allegedly saw footage of Stokes and two other women entering the shop, with Stokes immediately putting items into a bag for life.

She was arrested on June 15 and gave a no-comment interview when questioned by police. Defence solicitor Oliver Roche raised issues about the identification of the CCTV, noting potential weaknesses in the video evidence.

A court refused bail and Stokes was remanded in custody. She is due to appear again on July 9.