A SERIAL thief from Barrow who admitted stealing a bra and knicker set from a high street store had avoided jail.

Amy Lee Colette Spelman, of Broad Close, Barrow, was caught stealing 12 times in 2016 and was sent to prison on three separate occasions.

The 25-year-old, who appeared before Furness Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, admitted stealing a black and lace bra and a pair of knickers worth £20 from Marks and Spencer in Dalton Road, Barrow, on December 30.

She planned to sell the items for money after her benefits were cut following her release from prison.

District Judge Mr Gerald Chalk noted that Spelman had had a "shocking" 2016 and urged her to change her ways.

She was fined £115 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 as well as court costs of £85.

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