A prolific criminal has been slapped with a behaviour order after being caught begging twice in one day.

Isa Richardson has racked up 38 convictions for offences ranging from possession of heroin to stealing food.

At Maidstone Magistrates’ Court last month the 46-year-old admitted approaching people and asking for money in the town's Jubilee Square and Week Street.

The court heard how the homeless mother was arrested and charged after police spotted her asking a member of the public for change.

She was released and arrested again for the same offence just a few hours later.

By committing the offences in July she was in breach of a conditional discharge and a community order imposed following earlier incidents — she admitted both these charges.

In April Richardson was banned from entering the town centre in a move described by her solicitor, Jag Takk, as unworkable.

Mr Takk explained how the defendant needed to go to the area as his office and a soup kitchen were both located there.

Magistrates handed Richardson a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning her from approaching people and asking for money, sitting with a container and instructing anyone to do either on her behalf.

She was also told to complete a six-month community order, which will include 52 rehabilitation sessions, and pay a £60 victim surcharge and £180 criminal court charge.

Additionally, she was given two further six-month community orders to run concurrently for breaching the orders.