A SHOPLIFTER frequently brought before a court was warned she would be banned from stores if she does not turn her life around.

An application for a Criminal Behaviour Order which would ban Diane Rawlinson, 40, from entering shops in Workington, was put before Workington Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

But magistrates rejected the application, saying Rawlinson’s record for shoplifting was ‘not as prolific as they thought it might have been’.

Outlining the case, prosecutor Pamela Fee said shoplifting was ‘second nature’ to the defendant, who has stolen from multiple stores.

The most recent offence took place on January 13 when Rawlisnon entered the One Stop shop in Seaton, Workington, and stole a pint of milk and a fizzy drink, to the value of £5.

She was interviewed by police on January 19 and admitted the offence. The defendant had realised she didn’t have money but took the items. She told officers it was ‘almost second nature’ to her as she had frequently shoplifted in the past.

Ms Fee said the defendant had engaged in beahviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. She said shop staff often don’t like to stop shoplifters because they can be ‘unpredictable’.

The court was told that Rawlinson had committed a number of dishonesty related offences and was coming before the court more frequently.

Rawlinson, of Mitchell Avenue, Northside, Workington, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

John Cooper, defending, said: “It’s a pint of milk and a fizzy drink. She admitted the offence straightaway.

“There’s no suggestion she is shoplifting on a daily or weekly basis. I did say eventually if you commit too many offences, there will be an application for a CBO.”

Magistrates fined Rawlinson £40 and ordered her to pay £85 costs and a £16 victim surcharge. She must also pay £5 in compensation to The One Stop Shop.

Sarah Bradbury, chair of the magistrates, told the defendant: “Any more shoplifting and you are back in court, I’m sure the next bench will grant it [the CBO]. Turn your life around.”