A shoplifter blamed an illicit cigarette for landing her back in jail after stealing again following six days of freedom.
Lynette Burton's solicitor told a court that it played a part in leaving her homeless and getting back into trouble.
Rory Macmillan, mitigating, told Nottingham Magistrates' Court: "She reported to probation again and to the council three days in a row, trying to get somewhere to live.
"They would not give her anywhere because on a previous occasion they put her in a hotel. She was caught smoking a cigarette against regulations and so she was left with nowhere to live.
"She has been homeless since being released.
"She managed to sort out some benefits to come but in the intervening time she shoplifts," added Mr Macmillan.
Burton, 36, admitted stealing four Lancome perfumes valued at £297 from Debenhams on Long Row on October 31; and theft of perfumes worth £276 from the same shop on December 13.
She was sent to prison for 20 weeks. This will not increase her time inside because she will now have to serve the rest of a one-year term, after being released at the halfway point.
District Judge Leo Pyle told her: "It is a sad state of affairs that on being released, you embark upon this latest spree."
Daniel Pietryka, prosecuting, said that Burton was stopped when leaving the Long Row shop on October 31. The perfumes were seized but she escaped with them earlier this month.
She must pay Debenham's compensation of £276.
When asked for her address in court, Burton said she had no home, but could be contacted through a property on St Matthias Road, which is in St Ann's.
