A PROLIFIC shoplifter continued offending despite being subject to a suspended prison sentence.
Blackburn magistrates heard Samantha Burrow also failed to comply with post sentence supervision following her release from prison.
Burrow, 46, of Devonshire Drive, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to three charges of shoplifting. The suspended sentence was activated and she was jailed for a total of six weeks. She was ordered to pay £280 compensation to Boots and £128 victim surcharge.
Rachel Dixon, prosecuting, said Burrow stole Christmas gift sets from Boots on one occasion and make up from the same store a few days later. On March 1 she was seen in Morrisons filling a trolley with £216 worth of goods before leaving without making any effort to pay. She was detained and the police called.
Gareth Price, defending, said his client was an example of the damage that can be done by a combination of drink, drugs and domestic abuse. He said she didn't start on a criminal career until she was 40 years of age.
"Prior to that she lived in Manchester, had a good job in the care system and had a husband," said Mr Price. "Due to domestic abuse she did a midnight flit from the Manchester area and ended up in Accrington. She drifted into a particular sector of society with drink and drug problems and she developed a criminal record for acquisitive crime."
Mr Price said his client then found herself in another abusive relationship.
"More recently there appear to be some positives," said Mr Price. "She has her own tenancy and is looking to move forward with her life."
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