Hayley Louise Dewhirst, formerly of Birstall, carried out more than 300 dishonest transactions involving cash withdrawals, purchases and using her dad's cheques.

At Leicester Crown Court, the 23-year-old was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, with a nine-month supervision order.

Dewhirst, who has since moved to Grange Leisure Park, Alford Road, Mablethorpe, pleaded guilty to 11 thefts, two counts of obtaining goods by deception, three of making a false instrument, involving cheques, and three of fraud.

She asked for 309 similar offences to be considered.

Nahied Asjad, prosecuting, said Dewhirst obtained three credit cards in her mum's name, two in her dad's and tried to obtain a sixth card, which was refused.

The dishonesty came to light when Dewhirst's mother received a phone call about a credit card debt she knew nothing about.

Andrew Conboy, defending, said: “It became an obsession or compulsion.

“She's thoroughly disgusted and ashamed about her dishonest behaviour.”

Judge William Everard said: "I accept these offences were committed almost through a compulsion, which manifested itself through a shopping addiction."