A SHOPLIFTER stole two bottles of wine before 7am and by lunchtime was at a police station charged with drink driving, a court heard today. Early riser Joanne Surgenor stole the wine from the new Tesco store in March before seven o clock in the morning –

A SHOPLIFTER stole two bottles of wine before 7am and by lunchtime was at a police station charged with drink driving, a court heard today.

Early riser Joanne Surgenor stole the wine from the new Tesco store in March before seven o'clock in the morning - and was caught drink driving before lunchtime.

Alcoholic Surgenor had taken the stolen booze back to her Wimblington home and drunk the lot, Fenland magistrates were told.

She then drove back into March - and gave a breath test reading more than double the legal alcohol limit when stopped by police

Surgenor, 38, of March Road, Wimblington, admitted drink driving and theft when she stood before Fenland magistrates. She has a previous conviction for drink driving, so is facing a three year driving ban.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to have her assessed for alcohol treatment, but imposed an interim disqualification.

The court heard that Surgenor had significant problems in her personal life, as a result of alcoholism

Surgenor is making provision for not driving, and is looking into getting a bus pass, said her solicitor Ian Graham.

"It is abundantly clear that if alcohol treatment was available, she would benefit from it," he added. "She has a dependency on alcohol, and there are ongoing personal problems. Alcohol is the main factor that brings her back to court."

Representing the probation service, Val Molloy said: "She has significant mental health issues, and is already seeing a Drinksense counsellor."

Surgenor, who is already subject to a community order imposed in October for an offence of shoplifting, was warned she could be facing jail, and sentencing was adjourned until December 23.