A LLANDOVERY pensioner was left “distraught and embarrassed” after being falsely accused of stealing a packet of parsley sauce from her local supermarket.

Margaret Davies, aged 79, was in the town’s Co-Operative store — just a stone's throw from her Dolau Bran home — when the cashier asked whether she had paid for the two packets of sauce in her bag, which she had bought earlier in the day from the store.

Two more members of staff confronted Mrs Davies at the till and demanded she empty her bag.

She was then marched to the manager’s office, where she was able to produce a receipt.

However, Mrs Davies’ daughter Beth has been left fuming at the treatment of her mother by store staff.

“When my mother rang me to tell me what had happened she was in floods of tears,” said Beth.

“I immediately phoned the store to find out what exactly happened.”

However, what happened next was even more shocking.

“I spoke to the store manager who claimed he thought he had spotted my mother stealing from the store on a previous occasion – this time Mr Kipling cakes,” said Beth.

“I was in total shock, not only have they accused her of stealing once, but twice.

“I asked my mother about the cakes, and she told me it definitely wasn’t her - the manager later apologised and said it was just a case of mistaken identity.”

Since the loss of her husband three years ago, Mrs Davies has suffered a number of serious illnesses, including skin cancer.

“My mother has overcome so much in the last six months," said Beth.

"She was finally getting her confidence back, but this has completely knocked her back – she has been left distraught and embarrassed.

“Those who know my mother knows she wouldn’t shoplift. These are serious allegations.”

Beth has since received a letter of apology from the store and a box of chocolates.

“My mother can’t even eat chocolates,” said Beth.

“The staff at the store need to look at the way they deal with people suspected of shoplifting. They don't seem to realise the seriousness of what happened.”

A spokesperson for The Co-operative Food, said: “Store colleagues are given regular training in how to deal with concerns that groceries may not have been paid for, and we take matters of shoplifting very seriously.

"However on this occasion, staff were mistaken.

"We have apologised to Mrs Davies, and addressed the issue with those staff concerned.

"We have been pleased to see Mrs Davies return to the store, as she is a valued customer.

"Mrs Davies has not been suspected or accused of shoplifting previously, and we will be happy to talk to Mrs Davies’ daughter in order to provide further reassurances should any concerns remain.”