A DRUG-addicted shoplifter has been given three months to sort out her habit.

Claire McMillan, 19, who had helped herself to children's clothes to the tune of almost £100, from Woolworths, had sentence deferred until next March 6, by Burnley Magistrates.

The defendant, of Reed Street, Burnley, admitted theft. She was told by the bench she should not commit any more offences but should address her drug problem. She was also advised to save up towards costs and any compensation.

Mark Williams, defending, said McMillan was not suitable for a drug testing and treatment order because of her age and the fact she had been on drugs for about a year. The order was designed for offenders with a more long-standing problem.

McMillan had an appointment next week with a drugs team and was hopefully going to get some medication. She was clearly making steps in the right direction.

Mr Williams urged the court to defer sentence, which he said , would not mean the defendant had been "let off." It would reinforce the court's guarantee that McMillan would not receive a custodial sentence if she co-operated.