A WOMAN stole hundreds of pounds from a pensioner shortly after being released from prison for smuggling drugs.

Joanne Swift – whose own barrister said had “quite an appalling” record – is back behind bars for the April theft.

The 39-year-old had turned up on the stroke victim’s doorstep in Hartlepool with bags and suitcases full of clothes.

She had gone to see her grandmother, who lived in the house next door, after being made homeless following a row with her partner, but she was not at home.

Swift asked the neighbour if she could wait there wile it was raining.

She spent three hours inside while also taking £400 from the 70-year-old’s purse.

Andrew Teate, mitigating, told Teesside Crown Court Swift had not planned to steal.

He added: “She saw an opportunity and absolutely took it.”

Judge Howard Crowson heard how Swift has more than 140 offences on a record stretching back more than 20 years, including some convictions for robbery, deception, drugs and theft.

Judge Crowson told her: “Since about 1997, it seems you have been persistently dishonest. Nothing has stopped you.”

He added: “I can’t be sure you intended to steal when you entered that house.

“But I can be sure you targeted that woman after she let you in.”