A TRAVELLING thief with 230 convictions has been jailed for her latest crimewave.
Paula Alderson, whose record includes 100 offences of shoplifting, targeted shops across the North East, taking aftershaves and meats she had not paid for.
At the time the 33-year-old, of El Kebir Road, Hendon, was on a suspended sentence, community order and bail.
At Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, Judge Paul Sloan jailed her for 16 months.
He told her: “The stage has been reached where the only appropriate sentence is one of immediate custody.” Alderson admitted four thefts, including £110 of aftershave from Lloyds chemist in Seaham and 18 bottles of aftershave from Next at Dalton Park, Murton.
Paul Cross, defending, said:“If she has been short of money, the old habits kick in.”