A SERIAL offender with an "appalling" record has avoided further punishment for shoplifting in Alloa.

Karen Machan, 43, of Craigview, Sauchie, appeared back in the dock at Alloa Sheriff Court last Thursday, March 16.

She had admitted on May 11, last year, at Boots the Chemist, High Street, Alloa, she stole cosmetics and toiletries.

Sheriff Neil Bowie said: "All options have been used in the past to try to help her."

However, he noted that Machan had spent some time in custody for the offence after being arrested, was only recently released from a prison sentence and, in all the circumstances, said he would admonish her on this occasion.

The court was told the value of the stolen goods was £120.

Last month, Sheriff Bowie had deferred the sentence for good behaviour and she had stayed out of trouble in the intervening period.

In November, Machan was jailed at Alloa by Sheriff John MacRitchie who described her record of convictions as "enormous" and "most appalling".