One of Britain’s most prolific shoplifters has avoided prison for her 172nd conviction.

Tanya Liddle’s latest crimes have emerged just weeks after a unique civil injunction saw her banned from all but three shops across the North East region where she lives.

Liddle, who has 499 offences to her name, has been described as a “plague” upon Northumbrian shops, but has developed an online following after posting videos on social media that are said to have served as “how to steal” tutorials.

The 43-year-old became well known for wearing big hats, large coats and sunglasses during her carefully planned crime sprees.

On Sept 12, she was issued with an injunction by Newcastle Civil Court banning her from every shop apart from a pharmacy, a clothing retailer and a supermarket.

On Oct 3, less than a month after that injunction, Liddle appeared at Newcastle Magistrates Court via video link from prison charged with two further offences.

She spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth before admitting two counts of theft from a shop. Both offences took place before the injunction was imposed.