A self-described alcoholic was sentenced to three months in jail yesterday after she admitted to stealing three bottles of beer in the daily session of Plea Court.

Crown counsel Shade Subair told the court how Debra Richardson, 42, of the Salvation Army shelter, was spotted entering the Shopping Centre on Victoria Street with a bag over her shoulder on November 2.

According to Ms Subair, an employee of the grocery store saw the woman place three bottles of Carlsberg Elephant beer into the bag and exit the store without paying.

After a brief struggle, Ms Subair said, Richardson was detained until Police arrived.

"I was under the influence at the time," Richardson told Mr. Greaves as she apologised for her actions. "I have had a problem for 20 years. I am now going to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)."

Mr. Greaves told the woman, who has similar previous convictions: "You have had all kinds of problems for a long time.

"You have lived some kind of life. Why would someone want to live like that?"

As Richardson admitted she "strongly needed help" for her alcohol problem, Mr. Greaves scolded her for stealing the beers, valued at $6.

As he reviewed her lengthy rap sheet, Mr. Greaves told the woman, "It looks to me like your time had run out."

She was sentenced to three months at the Co-Ed Correctional Facility.