A HEROIN addict took revenge on a Worcester shopkeeper by repeatedly stealing alcohol from his shop, Droitwich magistrates heard.

The woman walked out of Bromwich Road stores in St John's with three cans of Special Brew and a can of lager over three days this year.

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said on each occasion the shop owner threatened to call the police but was told by the defendant, "I'm not interested".

"When she was arrested, she wouldn't answer questions put to her," he said.

Vodka

But Judith Kenney, defending, said the 38-year-old, who lives in Worcester, had become upset when she found out the shopkeeper was supplying the foster parent of her son - who cannot be named for legal reasons - with two bottles of vodka a day.

"She wanted to make a mark to say she did not approve of the shopkeeper giving him the alcohol," she added.

The woman who is on probation for assault, admitted three counts of theft.

Mrs Kenney said her client had enrolled on a woman's programme, which encouraged assertiveness and gave support.

"She went off the rails when she got into heroin and went through some hard hitting times," she said.

"But I know she is now very positive."

Magistrates ordered the woman be put on six months probation to run concurrently with the existing order.

She was ordered to pay £5.86 compensation and £50 costs.