A SERIAL shoplifter’s life turned to ruin after her partner was nearly murdered, a court heard.

Natasha Chamberlain racked up more than 60 convictions for thefts to help feed a drug addiction brought about when her boyfriend James Sibley was shot in the head last year.

Mr Sibley was left in a coma for three weeks after half his face was shot off in the gun attack.

Southampton Crown Court heard that Chamberlain’s offending had intensified following the incident with Mr Sibley.

When she appeared before the court, she pleaded guilty to four new offences of shoplifting.

Joanne Chester, mitigating, said Chamberlain’s then-boyfriend was hospitalised for months, during which time he lost all memory of her and their family due to the injuries he suffered.

She told the court: “He had life-changing injuries and it was a traumatic event for Chamberlain.

“The gang who committed the crimes against him were later convicted and they were both moved to Southampton due to witness protection.”

Ms Chester added: “She has made progress since her shoplifting spree and admits she would steal to sell the items on for drugs – it was a personal trauma for her she tried to deal with.”

Problems for both Chamberlain, 36, and Mr Sibley, inset, got worse after his benefits were stopped while he was in hospital.

Mr Sibley was shot at point-blank range with a shotgun during the incident on February 13 last year.

The four gang members who shot him in Crookhorn were jailed for a total of 95 years.

Jeremy Wright, prosecuting, told the court Chamberlain had been convicted of 95 offences, 66 of which were for shoplifting.

He said the value of each haul would vary between £55 and £180 depending on how many bottles of Jack Daniels she would jointly steal.

Mr Wright added that the new offences breached a suspended sentence order for similar offences.

Chamberlain, of no fixed address, admitted the charges and was sentenced to 10 months in prison.