A mother whose life has been a “destructive” path because of her use of a tranquilliser drug has been given a last chance to avoid jail.

A district judge told 35-year-old Amanda Jayne Norris that she would be jailed if she continues to steal following her latest string of offences – five shoplifting offences carried out in Carlisle city centre.

She admitted all the offences at Carlisle's magistrates' court.

Prosecutor John Moran said the offences include her stealing clothes worth £165 from New Look in English Street; clothes from the city's Shelter charity shop; and a candle worth £5 from The Christmas Shop in Carlisle.

She also stole a toy from the city's Market Hall. Three of the thefts were committed on June 21. Just days earlier, Norris, of Charles Street, Carlisle, was given a community order for similar offences.

Lauren Heasley, defending, said: “Miss Norris over the last three months has been on a destructive path of offences, committed whilst under the influence of diazepam. She struggles with emotions and uses diazepam to block things out.

“She's had a great deal to test her emotions. This has included bereavement and a falling out with her mother as well as things about her own health.”

Miss Heasley said Norris - the mother of a 15-year-old child - was ready for help and was engaging well with Probation but at present she was going through chemotherapy. The lawyer added: “She's well aware of what she's done to her body over the last number of years and that's taking its toll.”

District Judge Gerald Chalk said the offending did deserve jail.

What saved her was her responsibility for her child; and that she was working well with the Probation Service.

He imposed 80 days jail, suspending the sentence for a year. Norris must also complete 30 days of rehabilitation, a 10 week curfew and six months drug rehabilitation. “You can't afford to be in any more trouble,” added the judge.

Norris must also pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.