AN Atherton woman turned to drugs even though her partner and another friend had died from overdoses, a court has heard.

Rita Bushell, 28, became hooked on amphetamines and heroin which led her to go shoplifting to fund her habit.

But she was now looking to make a fresh start as she realised the consequences and dangers of taking such substances, magistrates were told.

Bushell, of Everest Road, Atherton, appeared for sentence after previously pleading guilty to three charges of shoplifting in Leigh and Wigan.

Defending, Miss Correena Platt said Bushell has been addicted to amphetamines and heroin for about nine years.

But Miss Platt told the court: "In the past she's had a partner who died of an overdose and her friend also died from one.

"It seems strange that this young lady would turn to drugs in such circumstances."

She added that Bushell had done so to ease the pain of having her children taken away from her.

"She's determined to stay off drugs and has been off them for three weeks whilst in custody.

The ball is in her court to live at the bail hostel for four weeks and prove she has put drugs behind her," added the defence solicitor.

The magistrates granted Bushell conditional bail as they deferred sentence until November 28.

She is to live at a bail hostel during that time.

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