A WOMAN who went out shoplifting while subject to a suspended sentence has been given another chance.

Burnley magistrates heard how Donna Astin, 35, stole aftershave worth £48 from Tesco. She was also in breach of two drugs programmes and, the hearing was told, would attend probation appointments under the influence of substances, making work with her difficult, if not impossible.

Astin, said to live a chaotic lifestyle, had not been in touch with probation or Inspire, the drink and drugs service. Her offender manager thought she should now go to jail.

The defendant’s solicitor, however, said it would be unjust to activate the suspended sentence as her home had been flooded, she had lost contact with probation and didn’t receive appointments.

The bench agreed, and extended the operational period of the suspended term by three months and imposed a four week, 7pm to 7am curfew, seven days a week, for the thieving.

Astin, of Albion Terrace, Burnley, had admitted theft and failing to comply with the order.