A LIVERPOOL shoplifter snubbed the help that had been given her by travelling to Blackburn and stealing just six days after completing a residential drug rehabilitation programme.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lynne Bosanquet got away with nearly £500 worth of clothing from Outdoor Action on her first visit.

But when she returned three weeks later and tried to steal another £700 worth she was recognised by staff and detained.

The chairman of the magistrates, Vanessa Pickup, said residential rehabilitation places were like “gold dust.”

“You were given a chance many people would give their right arm for,” said Mrs Pickup.

“Your response was to come out, and six days later travel to Blackburn to steal.”

Bosanquet, 40, of Watts Close, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to two charges of shoplifting and one of going equipped for theft.

She was jailed for 12 weeks.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said the Outdoor Action manager was replacing a jacket on a rack when he discovered a number of security tags in the pocket and as a result viewed CCTV footage.

It showed Bosanquet removing the tags and putting the clothes in bags before leaving the shop.

Gareth Price, defending, had been faced with a large electricity bill and a drug debt and found herself in dire financial straits.