A WOMAN returned to a shop she had stolen cigarettes from two hours earlier to demand a light.

Simone Powell was already banned from the Muzza and Sons shop on Blackburn Road, Bolton, when she walked into the newsagents' just before 6am on September 8 and demanded cigarettes.

But Bolton Crown Court heard that when shopkeeper Ilyas Ismail reminded her of the ban she grabbed his clothing and slapped his arm.

Powell, aged 37, then snatched cigarettes, coffee, Coffee Mate and tampons, worth a total of £14, from the shelves before walking out.

But David James, prosecuting, added that she returned to the store at 8am, carrying a cleaning tool, and asked Mr Ismail to light the cigarette.

Rather than refuse the shopkeeper gave into Powell’s request.

“He was trying to pacify her,” said Mr James.

The following day Powell was arrested and, when interviewed by police, admitted what she had done.

In court Powell, of Draycott Street East, Bolton, pleaded guilty to robbery.

Colin Buckle, defending, stressed: “This defendant committed this offence which was completely out of character for her.”

He said that Powell had a history of mental health problems.

At the time of the robbery she had not taken her medication for two weeks and was suffering from a period of mental instability.

Judge Richard Gioserano noted that Powell has never committed robbery before and accepted that she had mental difficulties.

But he told her that she must keep taking her medication and keep off drugs if she is to stay out of trouble.

He sentenced her to a two year community order which requires her to participate in 40 days of rehabilitation activities.

A restraining order was also made preventing her from going to Muzza and Sons or contacting Mr Ismail for five

years.