A sheriff was prepared to “take a chance” by releasing a serial shoplifter but within days she was offending again.

Natasha Fisher, who has been banned from every Co-op in Fife by court order, was found in the back of a van looking to see what she could steal.

Fisher, 41, of Grays Road, Lochgelly, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

She was given another “last chance” and released after admitting that on 28th August she was found in a van in Station Road, Lochgelly, whereby it could be inferred she intended to commit theft.

Sheriff Donald Ferguson said: “She’s on all these court orders and she’s offended again. Very poor.”

He deferred sentencing until 9th October for good behaviour.

He told Fisher: “You’re getting a last chance here. You know if you don’t take it, you’ll be going back to jail.”

Eight days earlier Fisher had appeared in the same court by video-link from prison to be sentenced for a catalogue of shoplifting offences.

She had targeted various shops including the Co-op stores in Lochgelly and Shamrock Street, Dunfermline.

Sheriff Krista Johnston put Fisher on a restriction of liberty order for three months and allowed other court orders she is on to continue.

The sheriff granted bail with the condition that Fisher does not enter any Co-op store in Fife saying: “You’ve been the bane of their life.”

She also told Fisher: “I’m going to take a chance on you but if you commit further crime, I’ll be of the opinion the public needs more protection and I’ll have to jail you.

"It’s entirely in your hands.”