A WOMAN has been banned from a shopping centre after she admitted eight shoplifting offences and an assault.

Rachael Jeffrey, 26, of no fixed address, appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where she admitted the string of offences.

Jeffrey was given a two-year criminal behaviour order that bans her from entering intu Lakeside’s shopping centre and car park as well as Lakeside retail park.

Jeffrey was also ordered to complete a 12 month community order, 60 days drug rehabilitation requirement and 20 days rehabilitation active requirement.

She was fined £120, ordered to pay £200 compensation and an £80 victim surcharge.

The sentencing follows theft reports between January 17 and 28 at intu Lakeside and at Boots in South Ockendon and Grays.

On one incident on January 17, she assaulted a shop worker who attempted to stop her.

Her accomplice, Jamie Gardner, 35, of Manor Close, Aveley, who was jailed for eight weeks at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on February 25, for theft.

Sergeant Ian Howitt, of Lakeside's Community Policing Team, said: “In the space of a week we have secured two Criminal Behaviour Orders against prolific shoplifters.

“Intu Lakeside’s business community can only be a better place to shop, visit or work with people like Jeffrey banned from entering.

“She was brazen with her offences and one occasion stole 10 expensive coats with the help of her accomplice, Gardner. On another occasion an innocent shop work was punched while trying to stop her.

“Gardner is well known to us and steals to fund the lifestyle she lives. If you see her breaching the conditions of the order, please contact us.”

On March 13, Shahinor Rahman, 36, of no fixed address, was given a three year CBO that also bans him from the same locations. He admitted four counts of theft.