A PROLIFIC thief went on a near £300 shoplifting spree when she was put under pressure from others, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Vanessa Daly, 41, stole razor blades, meat, coffee and deodorant, all from the same shop, but was captured on CCTV. She owned up when shown the evidence by police.

Daly, of Shakespeare Street, Burnley, admitted theft and asked for four offences to be considered. The court was told the defendant, who struck repeatedly at the Co-op, had 72 previous convictions and had been to jail. None of the stolen haul was recovered.

She was given a 12 month community order with supervision.

Sara Lyle, defending, said Daly, who was married, but separated from her husband, could not explain why she had committed the offences other than she was being pressurised from someone she would not name.

Over Christmas, the defendant, who was on benefits, had not received any money. She was currently living with her mother and would welcome any support from the probation office.

Miss Lyle said the defendant, who had suffered domestic violence in the past, had anxiety and depression which had got worse over the Christmas period.

The solicitor added: "She is making steps forward to try and prevent herself from committing further offences in the future."