Danielle Massen, 45, of Louise Close, Great Yarmouth, appeared at the town's magistrates' court on Thursday, April 9.

She admitted nine thefts from shops and one charge of possessing crack cocaine.

She also asked for 21 other offences to be taken into consideration by the court after she engaged with the Operation Converter team, which further investigates offenders where they are linked to a series of offences.

On February 20, having repeatedly visited the same Great Yarmouth store, she told staff: “This is the last time, then I will hand myself in."

She then left the shop with multiple chocolate items.

She returned to the store nine more times, most recently on March 1.

Massen was handed a 12-month drug rehabilitation order and was ordered to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement.

PC Shane Carroll said: “Her behaviour caused repeated disruption and distress to staff who were simply trying to do their jobs.

"Despite claiming she would stop, she continued to steal from the same store time and again.

"Hopefully this sentence will allow her to tackle the drug dependency which is at the root of her offending."

© Eastern Daily Press