Zoe McConville (33), of Alcock Avenue, admitted taking the items – valued at more than £320 – from the Forest Town Asda store on 31st August.

Mansfield magistrates were told on Thursday the theft had been committed while McConville had several children with her.

But in mitigation, Robert Glansfield said she was a good mother who was 'trying to provide for her children as best she could' and her criminal record 'painted a picture of someone who had had a very, very hard life indeed'.

Magistrates warned McConville that because she had a young baby with her at the time of the thefts she could have been sent to prison – but they were lenient because of her early guilty plea.

She was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a 12-month supervision requirement.

A MANSFIELD Woodhouse man who drove a car after drinking 10 bottles of beer has been banned from the roads for 20 months.

Mansfield magistrates were told last Wednesday that Mathew Hornby (22), of Park Street, had driven a Ford Focus on Debdale Lane in Mansfield on 4th November while double the legal drink-drive limit.

Police found the car abandoned on Debdale Lane at around 11pm after Hornby had attempted to run from the vehicle.

When he was arrested by police he was found to have 80 micrograms of alcohol in his breath – more than twice the legal limit.

In mitigation, Chris Lacey said Hornby had experienced a difficult year after struggling to adjust to everyday life when he returned from serving in Afghanistan last year.

Mr Lacey added that Hornby's behaviour on the 4th November was 'completely out of character'.

In addition to the disqualification, Hornby was fined £225 and ordered to pay £60 costs and a £15 victim surcharge after admitting the charge.

A MANSFIELD man who stole items worth more than £250 from a number of shops in the area has been slapped with a community order.

Mansfield magistrates were told that Adam Billyeald (27), of Westfield Lane, had stolen items including socks and alcohol on several occasions dating back to July.

Defending solicitor Simon King told the court last Wednesday: "Mr Billyeald draws a parallel between here and a time in 2004 when his drug addiction was almost out of control and his health was in serious danger."

Mr King said between 2004 and 2008 Billyeald had been crime and drug-free and this is what he wants to achieve again with the support of his family and professionals.

District Judge Mervyn Harris said prison sentences had not worked in the past and he would rather go down a more constructive route.

Billyeald was given a community order with a three-month residents' requirement, 12 months supervision and a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

He was also ordered to pay £285.81 compensation for the items he stole.

MANSFIELD woman Keeley Williams (20), of Broxtowe Drive, who is accused of possessing cannabis and amphetamine with intent to supply, was given unconditional bail until 1st December by the town's magistrates last Wednesday.

A 21-YEAR-OLD Boughton man accused of causing death by dangerous driving has had his case adjourned until January.

Steven Yates, of Fairweather Close, made a brief appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on 10th November when he was bailed by Judge Jonathan Teare.

A provisional trial date was fixed for 9th January and the hearing is expected to last around four days. The alleged offence took place in June.

MANSFIELD man Mark Knight will stand trial for theft of a mobile phone after denying the charge when he appeared before magistrates on Friday.

Knight (26), of Willoughby Court, was released on conditional bail and will stand trial at the court on 12th January.