A HOMELESS Carlisle woman prosecuted for her 17th theft offence has endured an "horrendous year," her lawyer told magistrates at the city's Rickergate court.

Stacey Georgina Matthews, 36, admitted stealing goods worth £24 from WH Smiths in English Street, Carlisle, on November 21 last year. The stolen goods included sweets and magazines.

When arrested, she could not recall committing the offence but accepted CCTV images showed she was the person responsible.

Anthony Wilson, defending, said: "She's currently homeless and has had an horrendous year or 18 months. Her husband sadly passed away. She's done acquisitive crime and had a drugs problem.

"She also has mental health problems, and is diagnosed as having an emotionally unstable personality disorder." She was also currently stable with a heroin replacement methadone prescription, said the lawyer.

Mr Wilson added: "She's desperately keen to do drug rehabilitation. She wants to be given accommodation so she can stay there until she is drug free." Magistrates revoked two existing community orders and imposed a new one,with 30 days of rehabilitation. She must compensate WH Smiths.