SERIAL thief Angela Palmer has been banned from her home town as a court considers a police plea for an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) to be made against her.

Palmer, 28, who has spent most of her life in Harrogate, appeared before the town's magistrates yesterday to plead guilty to a New Year's Eve theft of six bottles of whiskey and toilet rolls worth £102.66 from Asda - her 55th conviction for dishonesty.

Martin Butterworth, prosecuting, said police were anxious to see Palmer, who is now living in a guest house in Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, made subject of an ASBO.

Defence solicitor Geoffrey Rogers persuaded the court to adjourn the hearing until February 3.

Court chairman Canon Keith Punshon bailed Palmer in the meantime but ordered her to stay out of Harrogate except to come to court, see her solicitor or attend the probation offices.