An alcoholic who has struggled to beat her addiction has been jailed after smuggling booze into rehab.

Kerry Hardcastle, 45, was given a 12 month community order in February after a drunk and disorderly charge and told to carry out an alcohol treatment programme.

But she has failed to comply with the order, Macclesfield Magistrates Court heard.

It was then replaced with a suspended sentence and Hardcastle, of Catchpenny Lane, Lower Withington, was told to continue the alcohol treatment and warned that she must make efforts to stop drinking.

She became a resident at the Reach Out and Recover (ROAR) programme for six months, but struggled to deal with the restrictions and after six weeks smuggled alcohol into the centre, the court was told.

Her probation officer Thomas Whittaker said: “She relapsed and secreted alcohol in rehab, placing other residents at risk, and was asked to leave. She became aggressive and was advised that if she became sober they would have her back, but she continued to drink and her place was withdrawn.

“At a meeting with probation she was intoxicated, aggressive and threatened officers. We received a call from her partner saying she was making threats to throw herself under a train. Police were called and she was taken to A&E but absconded. The manager of ROAR has said all options have been exhausted to help her.”

Hardcastle admitted failing to comply with the community requirements of a suspended sentence.

Defending, Jenny Field said she had made efforts to stop drinking by contacting the Changing Lanes support group for help. She said: “She appreciates that she’s placed herself in a difficult situation. She was in rehab for six weeks but relapsed and found it hard to get back on track.

“She is very regretful of what’s happened in her life. She’s had a chaotic lifestyle but is motivated.”

Chairman of the bench Stephen Conquer said: “It’s very regrettable that you find yourself in court today. In light of your recent history we don’t have any confidence that left to your own devices you will stay off the drink. Something is going to be required to influence that so we are revoking the suspended sentence and giving you 12 weeks custody to enforce your detox.”