A HOMELESS heroin addict has been jailed after stealing a rucksack.

Tracey Wilson, pleaded guilty to disappearing with Isabel Kimberley's bag after she handed it to her on November 11.

Ms Kimberley gave Wilson her rucksack before going to help some friends, who were in trouble in the city.

However, the defendant left the area with the bag and by the time it was retrieved some of the items inside were missing.

David Devine, prosecuting, added: "She said it was a spontaneous spur of the moment decision to keep the bag."

A probation worker said Wilson, aged 41, had been homeless since losing her property in 2015.

They added: "She drinks about three bottles of Lambrini a day. She will fit if she doesn't have alcohol.

"She is also purchasing methadone illegally every day. That isn't always available and she will purchase heroin if it's not.

"While she remains on the street it's likely she will remain in this cycle.

"She's working with Maggs Day Centre for accommodation but feels unsupported by other agencies. She's not fussy, she's happy to be moved out of the area."

Christopher Aggrey, defending, added: "Homelessness, drugs and alcohol, these are all red hot issues that need to be addressed.

"She wants to battle that substance misuse on her own terms. She wants to return into a normal way of life."

The mother, who has three children with her long-term partner, tested positive for cocaine and heroin in police custody, the court heard.

Wilson breached a suspended prison sentence, originally for shoplifting in 2015 and later extended, by committing the theft.

Worcester Magistrates Court jailed the defendant for 10 weeks and ordered her to pay a £115 victim surcharge on November 29.