A SHOPLIFTER who was given a chance by a District Judge to change her ways responded by offending again three days later.

Amy Barnes ran up another string of offences before she was eventually arrested, including shoplifting and racism.

When she was put before Blackburn Magistrates' Court it was before the same district Judge who had given her an opportunity to turn a new leaf.

Barnes, 25, of Newfield Drive, Nelson, pleaded guilty to attempted theft of cleaning products from Home Bargains and racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards a member of staff at the store on April 30.

She also admitted theft of household items from Home Bargains and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order by committing the offence in the company of her partner, Anthony Herdman, on May 3.

Finally, she pleaded guilty to the theft of face creams from the same store just days later.

District Judge Alex Boyd revoked the community order he imposed on April 25 and sentenced Barnes to 14 weeks in prison.

Passing sentence, District Judge Boyd said when he and Barnes had met in April he asked if she was in a position to deal with her issues.

"You said you were and I gave you a chance," said District Judge Boyd.

"Sadly, I have come to the view these new offences, committed only a few days after I gave you that chance, means you are not in a position to deal with your issues in the community.

"I can't see any prospect of rehabilitation."

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said when Barnes was stealing from the shop in April she was challenged by a member of staff who told her to put the items back.

She dropped the items but then subjected the female member of staff to a tirade of racist abuse.

The offence on May 3 was committed in company with Anthony Herdman, and the Criminal Behaviour Order she was subject to specifically prohibited her from committing crimes with him.

Mark Williams, in mitigation, said the community order made by the judge on the previous occasion did not appear to have got off the ground.

"I don't know why her partner, Mr Herdman, hasn't been arrested when it is clear he was with her on the first occasion," said Mr Williams.

"He was actually keeping the no exit door open for her."

Barnes was taken down to serve 14 weeks in prison for her raft of offences.