A WOMAN’S life spiralled into a drug addicted hell after her husband left her for a man and then fled abroad with three of her children.

Michaela Tothova, 32, became hooked on Class A drugs after her life fell apart following the devastating split with her partner at the beginning of 2011.

The sorry tale was revealed at Czech-born Tothova’s latest court hearing, which saw her convicted for the 24th time for a low-value shop theft. These crimes were committed after her husband and children disappeared. This time she pleaded guilty to stealing £49.95 of shampoo and conditioner from the Boots store in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, on Monday.

In mitigation, Paul Vickers explained: “She split with her husband and he took their younger children, aged eight, seven and four, back to the Czech Republic where he now lives with his new male partner. That has knocked her off her stride.”

Tothova, who currently looks after her three eldest children, aged 16, 14 and 12, at her mother’s home in London Road, Westcliff, also admitted breaching a previous suspended sentence.

The latest theft was triggered after she spoke with her former husband on Monday.

Mr Vickers said: “She rang him to speak to the children and he said she was to have no further contact with them. She says the day was a blur for her after that.”

He added: “She wants help, she wants to be free of drugs.”

Tothova, who has lived in Britain since she was 18, was released on unconditional bail until her sentencing hearing on October 7 at Basildon Crown Court.