A HOMELESS woman admitted breaking an police order after being spotted shopping in Ann Summers in Hereford.

Elaine Brookes, 41, pleaded guilty to going into the lingerie shop on July 13 despite being prohibited to do so.

Hereford Magistrates Court heard she was given a criminal behaviour order on December 22 of last year banning her from entering any retail premises in Hereford apart from Morrisons, Outfit, Oxfam, Lidl, Tesco Express in Whitecross Road, Wilson's in Eign Street and the main Post Office.

Emma Prosser, defending, said Brookes is mostly homeless and a couple of weeks previously her mobile phone battery and three Post Office cards had been stolen, which meant it was difficult for her to obtain benefits.

Miss Prosser said: "Because she is homeless she often showers in the river. "She was drying some clothes on the river bank and they were stolen. She has had to wear the same underwear for some time."

Brookes then saw an old friend in High Town who offered to buy her some underwear and she went into the shop with him.

Once the transaction had been carried out she was spotted by a CCTV operative.

Miss Prosser said Brookes has now been offered accommodation and she is making progress with her rehabilitation activity requirements.

Magistrates agreed it was a technical breach and said her 25 and a half hours served in custody were equal to a fine.