A WOMAN who stole from a number of Leigh stores has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Andrea Dawber, of Abbey Street, was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court.

The 37-year-old admitted stealing to fund a drug addiction, carrying out a series of thefts from stores including TK Maxx, Boots and Sainsbury’s.

Imposing the sentence, the court heard that she had targeted the stores and had made threats to stab a staff member.

The court said she must comply with a number of requirements within the year-long supervision period, which includes having six months of treatment for drug dependency.