SHOPLIFTER Pamela Williams was given a stern warning by Recorder John Jarman QC at Warrington Crown Court on Friday.

He told Williams: "You have a quite appalling list of previous convictions.

"You have been given every sentence imaginable by this court and you have carried on offending.

"If this carries on all it will mean is that the sentences get longer and longer.

"There's only so much the courts can do to help you.

"I have been asked to give you a further last chance.

"You couldn't complain if I sent you to prison today for a long time.

"But I am going to follow the recommendation of the probation service.

"And I give you this warning. These orders are no easy let off.

"These orders are highly intensive orders and lot of highly professional people will spend a lot of time helping you with your problems.

"If you go on this course it means someone else can't.

"If you don't comply with the requirements it will be a waste of time and resources and a wasted opportunity for you and it will mean you have to go to prison.

"There is a lot for you to do know but the consequences of not doing anything are dire.

"You have to get yourself out of this terrible cycle you have got yourself into, because it's a damn waste."