A thief went on a crime spree in an audacious bid to stockpile supplies while on the run from police.

Wanted woman Emma Cook, 33, tried to give officers the slip after a warrant for her arrest was issued by a judge after she failed to turn up at Carlisle Crown Court.

Cook initially remained a step ahead of officers, targeting several city centre shops as she sought to gather goods for "going into hibernation".

But Cook was eventually arrested and appeared at the crown court.

She and her sister, Theresa Helen Cook, had both been due to stand trial on a violence charge.

But on Tuesday, Emma Cook failed to show for the start of the hearing, following which her sister was jailed.

Judge Tony Lancaster sanctioned a warrant for her arrest, and was briefed of progress to track her down throughout the following day.

These came from prosecutor Brendan Burke, who described Cook as a "fast-moving fugitive".

Yesterday, after she had been tracked down and detained, Mr Burke provided an overall summary of the saga.

"Considerable police resources were employed over the two days and one night in looking for her," he said.

"The defendant has admitted (in interview) carrying out a string of thefts while police were looking for her, all around the city centre."

Mr Burke added: "The police came near on a number of occasions, certainly on at least one occasion. She must have been aware of them and took active steps to disappear.

"It was determined and skilful evasion coupled with committing crime, the police think, with a view to going into hibernation over a protracted period."

Alison Whalley, mitigating, admitted: "There is little that can be said on her behalf."

Cook, of Ashness Drive, Morton, Carlisle, was immediately jailed for 28 days having breached her bail terms.

But she must return to the crown court on November 2, having admitted a charge of affray in relation to the February violence at a house in Harraby.