A SHOPLIFTER fuelled by drug addiction came to her senses after being remanded in custody, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Tracey Evans was caught twice in two days stealing handbags.

But during three months of detention she rebuilt her life, said Nigel Stelling, defending.

Evans, 20, of Chiltern Close, Stourport, pleaded guilty to two thefts and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Judge Anthony King passed a 12-month drug treatment and testing order saying it was potentially a more productive sentence than custody.

Prosecutor Saman-tha Powis said her previous convictions showed a persistent shoplifter.

Mr Stelling said Evans was a woman of ability who had fallen by the wayside through heroin.

But custody gave her the chance to "cleanse herself".

He showed educational and PT certificates showing her progress.

Judge King ordered her on a rehabilitation programme and come to court every month for her efforts to kick drugs to be monitored.