A SHOPLIFTER with eight theft offences on her record was warned she could face jail if she continues to steal.

Diane Rawlinson, 39, entered Asda on Moss Bay Road in Workington at 8pm on March 31, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Peter Kelly, prosecuting, said the defendant picked up a bottle of Jack Daniels, removed the security tag and concealed the bottle on her person. She then left the store without payment.

Rawlinson was interviewed under caution on April 4. She said she had gone in to pay for the item and “had a change of mind”. She decided to take the item.

Mr Kelly said the defendant had eight offences of shoplifting on her record.

Rawlinson, of Mitchell Avenue, Northside, Workington, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

Sean Harkin, defending, said: “It’s low value shoplifting. The aggravating feature is the previous record. It’s not the worst record you will have seen.

“She has historically had a drugs problem. She has relapsed. Since then, she has taken steps to address the offending behaviour. She engaged with the drugs and alcohol team.

“She says she is too old to be getting in this trouble. Hopefully, it’s a one-off blip and she can stay on the straight and narrow.”

Passing sentence, lead magistrate Leswyn McCallum, said: “You can’t just keep getting thefts and getting fines. The point will come when the bench say no, and that could be custody.”

Rawlinson was fined £80 and must pay £25 in compensation to Asda. She must also pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.