IT was third time unlucky for a woman who had twice escaped a jail sentence after breaching a suspended sentence order.

Blackburn magistrates jailed Tracy Wilson for a total of 24 weeks after she was caught stealing clothes from Next.

The court was told Wilson was also in breach of a conditional discharge also imposed for a theft offence.

Wilson, 47, of Hollin Bridge Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of 14 items of clothing worth £225. She was jailed for 12 weeks for the offence and a further 12 weeks for breach of the suspended sentence order.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said Wilson had gone into the changing rooms at Next and an assistant asked her if she needed any help.

"She asked the assistant to get her another garment in a different size," said Miss Akhtar.

"By the time she returned the defendant was leaving the store with a bag full of clothes," said Miss Akhtar.

"She was detained by Mall security staff and was found to have a pair of pliers for removing security tags."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had split from her long-term partner which had caused enormous problems with accommodation and benefits.

"She was borrowing to survive and just got herself into a real mess," said Mr Taylor.