A DRUG addicted mother of three has been given four months to try and kick her habit and set an example to her children.

Shoplifter Lisa Jayne Waldron, 30, was told by Burnley Magistrates she could have been looking at Christmas in jail but instead they were going to defer sentence to let her show what she could do.

Waldron, whose solicitor described her habit as "this dreadful disease," was told by the court she had to take steps to address her drug problem, to liaise with the arrest referral scheme, and get in touch with a community drugs team.

She must also work with the appropriate agencies and not commit any more offences.

The defendant, of Unsworth Street, Stacksteads, admitted three counts of theft and one of failing to surrender. Her case was adjourned until April 14.

The court was told how Waldron, chased through the town centre by staff members from one shop, struck three times, twice on bail.

She told police she intended to sell her haul to buy heroin and used two bags a day. Waldron also had previous convictions for shoplifting.

Bill Rawstron, defending, said Waldron's offending behaviour had taken place over "20 months of feverish activity." If she could rid herself of the dreadful disease of drug addiction she could once again become a decent member of society.

Waldron could then work on rebuilding relationships with her family and friends, which had been lost to her.

Mr Rawstron said instead of sending the defendant to custody, the court could take "positive steps," which perhaps even shopkeepers would agree would be an appropriate way of dealing with her.

The solicitor said if Waldron did not beat her addiction, her children, eight, 11 and 12, might not have a mother to look up to.