A JUDGE has accused a fraudster who targeted an elderly woman in a £2,500 scam of being manipulative as the prospect of jail loomed.

Maxine Shaw, 36, should have been sentenced at Burnley Crown Court, after earlier admitting taking cheques from a resident at a Rossendale care home where she was working.

But, on the day she produced a letter saying she was having a hernia operation on November 19 and would need six weeks to recover.

The court was told Shaw, who has a long record for dishonesty, had not mentioned the surgery to the probation officer who compiled her pre-sentence report or the court.

The defendant, of Alder Avenue, Rawtenstaall had admitted four counts of fraud on October 1, had been bailed but had been warned she could face prison.

Her victim Kathleen Hill has since died.

Her barrister asked for the case to be adjourned until the New Year but the judge said he was not happy.

Judge Simon Newell claimed he suspected the defendant was being manipulative and added it was not right for the letter to be handed into court on the day sentence was due to take place.

Judge Newell said Shaw must have known there was a likelihood of the surgery coming up.

Judge Newell adjourned the case until December 12 so Shaw could have the operation.