Nun, 78, arrested for shoplifting after CCTV films woman filling trolley and leaving without paying

The elderly woman was charged with shoplifting the equivalent of £15 worth of coffee, shampoo and soap

Sister Agnes Pennino then filled her car boot with the loot and drove away, but her number plate was registered at a local convent and it didn't take long for the police to track her down.

The 78-year-old was charged with shoplifting $23 (£15) worth of coffee, shampoo and soap following the incident in the US .

Someone in the store claims they saw Sister Agnes stealing the items and when police looked at the CCTV they went to arrest her.

Shopper Wendy Everett said: "Humanity's gone to hell, to put it bluntly," when she was told what had happened.

Store manager Zane Kishbach told the New York Daily News the theft had been planned well.

He said she choose to sneak out as someone came in through the front door, rather than having to go past a row of tills and staff at the normal exit.

"I was shocked, to say the leas," he said. "I couldn't believe it that a nun would actually do something like that."

The incident took place in Pennsylvania, where shoplifting is a summary offense.

That means if Sister Agnes is convicted it is likely she will only have to pay a fine.