A VULNERABLE woman who was regularly “conned” out of or robbed of her benefits was caught stealing plants worth £7.98.

Blackburn magistrates heard Angela Craig was in breach of a conditional discharge imposed two weeks earlier for another petty theft.

Craig, 51, of East Park Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft from Lidl. She was made subject to a curfew for four weeks between 7pm and 7am and ordered to pay £90 victim surcharge.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Craig came into contact with people who exploited her.

“Her benefits are quickly gone because she is either tricked out of them or they are stolen while she is intoxicated. She quickly finds herself in financial difficulties,” said Mr Taylor.

“At the age of 51 she doesn’t want to be stealing plants from Lidl.”

Mr Taylor said after a period of homelessness his client had managed to get a place at supported accommodation on East Park Road.