A FORMER drug addict who went out shoplifting told magistrates she was now clean and the offences were out of character.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Victoria Huntriss, 25, had personal problems at the time of the offence.

Huntriss, of Oxford Street, Colne, admitted theft and asked for three similar offences to be considered.

She was given a 12 months conditional discharge and told to pay £20 costs. The court was told the defendant helped herself to toiletries worth £37.47 from Boots. She also struck at three other stores.

Glen Smith, defending, said Huntriss had been clean since January and had been on a reduction programme.

The defendant did not know why she acted in the way she did but had had personal problems at the time.

Huntriss, who was on incapacity benefits because of anxiety and depression, was trying to keep out of trouble.