A TEENAGE shoplifter has been spared prison and given one last chance by magistrates.

Linda Dodsworth, 18, of Melonsby Crescent, Darlington, was warned she faces custody if she re-offends

She admitted stealing jeans and a top worth £60 from the town's Marks and Spencer on July at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Dodsworth also admitted stealing shoes worth £10 from Price Less shoes as well as breaching a conditional discharge imposed for a previous shop theft and being drunk and disorderly.

Prosecuting, David Crook said: "There is a history of offending and a history of drug taking."

The court heard Dodsworth has been in custody for the last three weeks.

Mitigating, James Luke said: "Her family are in court and they are standing shoulder to shoulder with her.

"Drug taking is the sad demise of this young lady.

"She has had that initial shock of three weeks inside and that has improved her demeanor and appearance.

"Hopefully her relatives are going to put her on the straight and narrow."

Dodsworth was sentenced to a 12-month drug treatment and testing order (DTTO).

ends