A SERIAL thief who only received her first jail sentence earlier this year despite 25 previous convictions stole again after she was released — twice.

Cari Welsh helped herself to more than £80 worth of booze during separate raids on Morrisons supermarket within two days of each other.

The 43-year-old was sentenced to 160 days in February for stealing goods valued at more than £500 from various shops in Greenock.

Sheriff Thomas Ward — who imposed the punishment — remarked: "Clearly the sentence was not long enough."

Welsh, of the Inverclyde Centre, blamed her latest offences on a delay in receiving benefits money following her prison term.

Her lawyer, Gerry Keenan, told the sheriff court: "This scenario is not unknown with universal credit.

"There are indications that she has turned to shoplifting at times due to financial difficulties.

"It is clear that she has a drug problem and that is self-evident from her record.

"But in the past she has stolen simply to survive."

The court was told in February that Welsh had just recovered from life-threatening sepsis brought about through her abuse of drink and drugs.

Solicitor Mr Keenan said at the time: "If she wants to live very much longer she has been told she has to stop drinking and taking controlled drugs.

"She seems to be taking that advice."

Welsh stole £48.50 worth of alcohol from Morrisons on August 22 and a further £32 worth on August 24.

Sheriff Ward told her: "You are not entitled to go thieving, which is what you do.

"Your first custodial sentence does not seem to have done you any good, so the next one will be a bit longer to keep you out of circulation for longer.

"On this occasion I will defer sentence on you.

"But you are not getting off scot-free, as I suspect you will be back here within this time.

"If you are, I will impose consecutive custodial sentences on these matters to make sure that you are away for as long as possible.

"You have one chance."

The case is due call again on February 26.