A WOMAN who was described as a "prolific offender" has been jailed for her latest store theft.

Gemma Anne McNichol pleaded guilty to stealing food and drink items from Sainsbury's in Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, on April 26.

McNichol, 34 and of Clarence Park Road, Bournemouth, appeared in the dock at Poole Magistrates' Court on July 16.

The defendant also admitted committing this offence while subject to two suspended sentence orders, which were made in April and October last year.

These orders related to offences of fraud, theft and public order matters.

Magistrates implemented the suspended sentences as immediate custodial terms totalling six weeks.

However, the bench also handed her a further two-week consecutive term for the Sainsbury's theft. This took her overall prison sentence to eight weeks.

Court papers said the offence was so serious due to McNichol being a "prolific offender".

She was also ordered to pay a £128 surcharge.