A KEIGHLEY woman who was a passenger in a car stopped by police at Kildwick had a bag of stolen £111 Marks and Spencer meat at her feet, magistrates heard.

Ann Marie Somers, 46, was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence after magistrates heard she had committed 47 similar offences.

Magistrates described her record as "appalling" and said they had no option but to pass a custodial sentence, although it would be suspended for a year.

Somers was in a car stopped on the A629 at Kildwick on April 2, the court heard.

Officers noticed a large bag of meat at her feet and she was unable to produce a receipt, said prosecutor, Martin Butterworth.

A call to Marks and Spencer in Skipton revealed meat had been stolen, but because it had been removed from the premises, it could not be returned to the shelves.

Somers, who admitted theft, had taken the meat to sell on because she was in severe financial difficulties, the court was told.

In mitigation, Keith Blackwell, said it had been a thoroughly dishonest and unacceptable act of which she was ashamed.

She had been released from prison last year for similar offences, had lost her accommodation while in custody, but now had new lodgings, he said.

She was being treated for heroin addiction and was currently taking methadone.

Somers, of Alkincote Street, was also ordered to pay compensation of £111 to Marks and Spencer, costs of £85 and a surcharge of £80.