A shoplifter has won another chance after a court heard that she had to live on £11 weekly.
Jay Parkinson stole twice from Wilko on October 17 and returned to the store five days later. She got away with laundry items.
On November 1, she went back again and took children's toys, Nottingham magistrates heard.
Shannon English, mitigating, said that the 29-year-old's father and grandfather died recently.
They had helped her with cash and "she struggles with finances".
Miss English said that Parkinson had been working hard to beat a drugs problem and added: "She wants to work hard with probation officers to lead a good life.
"She needs another chance to prove herself," added Miss English on behalf of Parkinson, who lives on London Road, Newark.
A 28-week prison term, suspended for a year, was imposed on Parkinson, who admitted four thefts. She must pay £273 to the store to cover the missing items.
Presiding magistrate Kim Geering told her: "You have a horrendous record - absolutely horrendous.
"We are giving you the opportunity to change. We hope this is a motivation."
Parkinson replied: "Yes, thank you."
Sanjay Jerath, prosecuting, said that all the offences were caught on camera.
The court heard that she was left with only £11 aweek after paying her rent.
Her probation officer told the court that "no real progress has been made."
As part of the latest order, she must spend 16 days with probation officers.
