A SHOPLIFTER with a drug addiction who previously bit shop workers has been praised for making 'fantastic' progress in beating her drug addiction.

Lianne Croke-Loveridge of Newtown Road, Worcester, admitted two charges of shop theft when she appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Thursday.

The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to stealing 10 Bold 2 in 1 washing detergent valued at £60 from Tesco Express in London Road on November 4 last year.

She returned to the same shop on November 11 last year to steal two Fairy washing detergent gel bottles, two Ariel washing detergent bottles and two Bold 2 in 1 washing detergent bottles to the value of £29.60.

She was previously in court for assault occasioning actual bodily harm at the Tesco store in Warndon Villages on October 23, 2019 and theft of £799 of groceries on the same date.

Two members of staff suffered the injuries from bites while attempting to detain the defendant.

Mark Turnbull, defending her for the recent thefts from London Road Tesco, said Croke-Loveridge was interviewed by police on a voluntary basis. He said there was no particular sophistication to the thefts.

"She simply walks out with the items off the shelf," he said.

Her previous convictions revolve around her misuse of drugs and had received custodial sentences in the past. "There has not recently been a community order in place" he said.

In August she received a custodial sentence and is subject to post sentence supervision. "She is complying and engaging with agencies" he said.

He added: "She is dealing with and trying to deal with her drug misuse problems."

Mr Turnbull, who urged the imposition of a conditional discharge, explained that she had been prescribed Subutex to address her misuse of heroin. However, he added: "She is still struggling with misuse of crack cocaine. I'm asking you to give her the benefit of the doubt."

She would not be suitable for unpaid work and he also had concerns around any curfew.

Andrew Greenway, the chairman of the bench, said: "We have listened very carefully to what Mr Turnbull had to say and what probation have had to say.

"It's to your credit you seem to be getting on top of your problems with drugs. That's fantastic.

"You have reduced your offending dramatically. We're going to try and help with that."

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge.

They further ordered the payment of £89.60 in compensation to Tesco, costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £22.