A PROLIFIC shoplifter who targeted stores throughout Inverclyde during an 18-month thieving spree has been given 'one final chance' to stay out of jail.

Jamie Lee Kerr had been facing potential maximum sentences of 12 months for each of SEVENTEEN separate offences.

However, Sheriff Sheena Fraser handed Kerr community-based punishments as a direct alternative to prison and warned that she 'won't get another' let-off.

The Telegraph previously reported that 34-year-old Kerr, or Markinch Road in the Port, stole more than £500 worth of goods during her spate of shoplifting raids.

She lifted fragrances, sweets, booze, food, toiletries, razor blades, skin care products, laundry items and vape cartridges between November 2020 and June 2022.

The thief also took clothing from Morrisons supermarket in Greenock, pretended she had bought the items and attempted to induce staff into giving her a 'refund'.

Kerr targeted the Co-op on Dubbs Road on eight occasions, Boots at the Port's retail park three times, the Shore Street Co-op in Gourock three times, Morrisons twice and Lloyds Pharmacy in the Port once.

READ MORE: Port Glasgow woman committed 17 crimes during shoplifting spree

Her total haul was valued at £505. The stolen merchandise was not recovered.

She appeared for sentencing at Greenock Sheriff Court having been remanded in custody since March 14 while a background report and electronic tagging assessment were prepared.

Defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher told the hearing the report 'set out the difficulties in her upbringing' and said her offending 'has been linked to addiction, which is a long-term issue'.

Mr Gallagher added: "One sees from the report that she did steady the ship, she entered into rehab and the chaotic lifestyle seems to have abated to an extent.

"The offending referred to seems to have pre-dated her admission to rehab.

"She was given an opportunity to assess her situation while on remand.

"It allowed her an opportunity to see where she was at and where she is going.

"All of this has concentrated her mind."

The lawyer added that a court-ordered drug treatment programme 'would be essential' for Kerr to stay out of trouble and overcome her problems.

Sheriff Fraser said: "Unpaid work would give her less time to associate with people who might draw her back into this lifestyle."

Addressing Kerr, the sheriff said: "I am going to give you one final chance but you should understand it is very much a final chance.

"On one view you have already had a final chance. You won't get another."

Kerr was sentenced to one month in prison backdated to March 14 when she was remanded in custody.

She was also given a community payback order with an 18-month supervision requirement, and was placed on a drug treatment and testing order.

A restriction of liberty order was also imposed meaning she will be tagged and must remain within her home address between the hours of 8pm and 8am for 11 weeks.

Sentence was deferred on other matters for good behaviour and a review will take place in two months' time.