Prolific shoplifter who was recently jailed for the first time has been given a second prison sentence

Christina Morris was caught every time as she carried out a series of thefts at 14 shops in Greenock and Port Glasgow.

The 36-year-old thief helped herself to £290 worth of goods and on each occasion the items were fully recovered by the stores.

Her lawyer, Charles Drummond, told Greenock Sheriff Court that she'd been released from prison but had no money and couldn't get a crisis loan.

Mr Drummond said: "It is plain from her record that it is characteristic of an individual who has had a drug addiction from a young age.

"She was bullied in prison and is genuinely terrified at the prospect of going back there.

"She does have the support of various agencies and maybe she can have one more opportunity.

"It's now or never for her."

Morris, of the Inverclyde Centre, stole cleaning products, coffee, toiletries, socks, clothes, picture frames, razors, duvet covers and tools from TK Maxx, Aldi, Wilko, Sports Direct, M&Co, Card Factory, the Little Starz Boutique, B&M, Primark, Bon Marche, Boots, Sally's Salon Services, Next and The Food Warehouse.

Sheriff Thomas Ward sentenced her to a total of 400 days imprisonment.

The sheriff told her: "You have at least 34 previous convictions for dishonesty, a whole catalogue of offences.

"You were sent to jail and within days you're stealing again.

"Prison may be to your benefit, not least because there have been 25 reports from the public regarding your state on drugs."