A PROLIFIC offender who has been subject to every punishment a court can impose has been given one last chance to change after stealing almost £100 worth of meat from a Darlington supermarket.

Long-term drug addict, Barbara Taylor, who has 106 convictions for various offences, stole £91 worth of beef joints from Marks and Spencer, in Northgate, Darlington, on September 19 this year.

Magistrates in Darlington heard the 35-year-old, of Geneva Road, Darlington, had been going through a difficult time and was subject to a community order when she committed the theft.

Probation officer Brenda Robertson told the court: “She has a horrendous record, there is no getting away from that.

“We feel it is worthwhile to give her one last opportunity to engage. I think this would be her last chance.”

Taylor, who had a black eye when she appeared for sentencing yesterday (Thursday, October 3), admitted the theft when she appeared at court earlier this week.

Giving her a 12-month community order with 12-months of supervision, chairwoman of the bench, Patricia Wilson said: “These shops can’t afford to just let people walk out with the goods. It impacts on everybody - we all have to pay for it.”

She was also ordered to pay £91 compensation to Marks and Spencer.