A WOMAN who stole a large amount of alcohol had been treated for a "flesh-eating disease" and was lucky to be alive, a court heard.

Appearing at Wrexham Magistrates Court Patricia Ann Lloyd, 34, of Wrexham Road in Marchwiel, admitted a pair of theft offences.

They both took place on June 9 at Morrisons supermarket in Ruthin Road, Wrexham, when she took alcohol to the value of £708.70 from the store.

Prosecutor Justin Espie described the incidents as "trolley dash behaviour" and said they occurred within half an hour of each other.

He explained Lloyd was stopped both times and the items were recovered.

Emma Simoes, defending, told the court: "She has been addicted to drugs and that is a catalyst of her offending behaviour.

"At the time she was feeling low. It was her friend's birthday and she wanted alcohol for her to drink.

"Shortly after she went to hospital having a skin graft on her leg for a flesh eating disease.

"It has been a massive wake up call for her. She is lucky to be here today.

"She was put in an induced coma for five days and had seven operations.

"It was first thought that her leg would have to be amputated.

"Unfortunately the drugs have had hold of her - she is now clean and not taking drugs and I hope this is a wake-up call that will change her ways."

Ms Simoes added Lloyd had a "way to go" with her recovery.

Lloyd told magistrates: "Everything happened so quick. I'm very lucky to be alive."

Steven Vale, chairman of the magistrates, sentenced Lloyd six weeks imprisonment for each offence, but suspended them for a year.

He also ordered Lloyd to pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.