A PROLIFIC shoplifter with 48 previous convictions, who was taken into Winsford's Cotswold House, has been spared a jail sentence after being caught stealing once again.

Lynette Jade Thompson, 29, from Langford Road in Lostock Gralam, who was living at the women's support home in Cotswold Way in Winsford, stole groceries amounting to £140 from Weaverham Co-op on August 21, and stole a £127-electric drill from B&Q in Northwich on August 24.

Thompson appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Wednesday, September 14, after pleading guilty, and despite still being on license after her release from jail in November last year, she was allowed to keep her freedom.

Thompson was ordered to a fine of £297 and an additional £170 to cover court costs and victim surcharge.

Antony Derbyshire, defending Thompson, said: “There is no getting away from the fact that this lady’s past is littered with theft from stores and that stems from her past in the use of drugs.

“She’s not been in court for some time now and that shows she’s making efforts to abstain from drugs.

“She was in Cotswold House in Winsford until August this year for a home detox and that was completed and she was drug free until her partner was released from custody and she started associating with past associates.

“She’s recognised that she needs to nip this in the bud and see this as a one off blip in her road to recovery.”

Thompson was also ordered to carry out a 60-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) over 12 months.

Kim Graham, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Since her release in November, she has done very well on license. She’s attended all appointments and has been accepted into a safe house.

“They don’t usually accept drug users but they felt that Mrs Thompson would benefit from the environment. She also referred herself to the drug service last week.”