A DRUG addict with a long history of shoplifting was caught attempting to steal cheese and socks from the Aldi supermarket in Ludlow, a court heard.
Samantha Preece, 40, who had been banned from the store for previous thefts, was recognised by staff and stopped and searched in May this year.
At Shrewsbury Crown Court Preece was given a six month prison sentence for the breach of a criminal anti-social behaviour order imposed more than a year ago.
The court heard that Preece, who was said to be of no fixed address, had been in custody since May 15 and will be released almost immediately because of the time spent on remand.
Preece was said have a string of convictions over a dozen years, involving almost 70 offences, the bulk of which involved shoplifting to fund her heroin and alcohol addictions.
Judge Jonathan Gosling said that the defendant had a "depressing record" which was basically her life story.
He said there had been previous breaches of the anti-social behaviour order and warned Preece the sentences would get longer if she did not take the opportunity to 'turn the corner' in her life.
Preece, who had admitted the breach, was also ordered to pay a £900 criminal courts charge.
She had denied stealing goods from the Aldi store and the charge was ordered to lie on the file.
Richard McConaghy, for Preece, said his client was motivated by reaching the age of 40 and her partner's ill health to deal with her drug problems and had been making good progress while on remand.