A WOMAN has been placed under virtual house arrest by magistrates until she can get treatment for alcoholism. She has been told to stay off the streets of Chatteris unless she is accompanied by her husband and can only leave her home to go into detox or

A WOMAN has been placed under virtual house arrest by magistrates until she can get treatment for alcoholism.

She has been told to stay off the streets of Chatteris unless she is accompanied by her husband and can only leave her home to go into detox or to go on holiday.

Tough supervisory conditions were imposed by Fenland magistrates today ( Wednesday) after they heard how Rosemary West addiction had taken hold. The court was told West stole a bottle of vodka on Friday and two days later stole martini and gin from another supermarket.

"It is quite simply a compulsion," solicitor James MacWhirter told magistrates. "Her husband does his best to control her, he does not give her any money, but she escapes and goes into Chatteris and pinches alcohol.

"Her husband has become extremely frustrated and exasperated; he is almost at his wits' end about what to do. Prison has failed, and she is back drinking."

Michael West told of his wife's steady decline since 2002. "In March she went to prison, and I was relieved she had gone to prison," he said. "But our daughters said it was not long enough for detox."

The court agreed to adjourn sentencing for six weeks so 54-year-old West, of Haulsbury Court, London Road, Chatteris, can be treated. During that time she must live at her home address unless she is in detox or on a week's holiday with her husband.

West must keep to a 24-hour home curfew, unless she is accompanied by Mr West.

West admitted three charges of stealing alcohol.