IPSWICH: A judge brushed aside a notorious shoplifter’s plea to be spared jail by telling her solicitor “she’s got to go, she really has”.

Today, Rachel Snell, of Shackleton Square, Ipswich, is beginning a 56-day sentence after using her baby niece to help steal four jackets.

South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court heard the 25-year-old drug addict had 31 previous convictions for shoplifting.

Ian Duckworth, mitigating for Snell – who pleaded guilty to theft, tried to save his client from prison by telling District Judge David Cooper that she was trying to kick her heroin habit.

Mr Duckworth said progress had been made, but in late summer Snell had relapsed and ended up with debts.

However, District Judge Cooper countered: “Nothing stops her, does it, Mr Duckworth?

“She’s got to go, she really has. She’s just not going to stop, is she?” Turning to Snell, District Judge Cooper said: “The shops just need to have a break from you. You have an atrocious record for shoplifting.”

Earlier in the proceedings prosecutor Collette Griffiths told the court Snell went into Sainsbury’s in Warren Heath just before 1.30pm on November 20. A security guard had seen her on CCTV with a child and a pushchair.

Snell removed the security tags of three items of clothing before going to the checkout to pay for some food.

The court heard CCTV shows Snell putting another jacket on her niece who was in the pushchair.

After paying for the food Snell was stopped as she left the store with the jackets.

n What do you think should be done to prevent shoplifters re-offending? E-mail eveningstar letters@eveningstar.co.uk or write to Star Letters, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.