David Clark

A PROLIFIC shoplifter fuelled by drug addiction came to her senses after she was locked up on remand, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Tracey Evans was caught stealing handbags from shops in Worcester twice in two days. The 20-year-old gave police a false name and address.

But during three months of detention she had rebuilt her life and showed that she had athletic abilities, said her defence counsel, Nigel Stelling.

Evans, of Chiltern Close, Stourport, admitted two thefts and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Prosecutor Samantha Powis said her previous convictions showed she was "a prolific and persistent shoplifter".

Judge Anthony King passed a 12-month drug treatment and testing order on her and said it was potentially more productive than jail.

Mr Stelling said Evans was a woman of ability who had fallen by the wayside through heroin.

But custody gave her the chance to "cleanse herself".

"The hammer blow of the remand meant she rapidly came to her senses and set about putting things right," he said.

Judge King said she would have to take part in a rehabilitation programme.