A PROSTITUTE seen loitering by police told them to leave her alone so she could try and earn some cash, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how drug addict Michelle Hodson, 22, told officers she did business in the notorious area four days a week.

She had been seen on Colne Road, Burnley, an area where prostitutes were now becoming an increasing problem.

Hodson, of Melville Street, Burnley, admitted being a common prostitute loitering for the purposes of prostitution. She was given a 12 months conditional discharge.

The defendant, who owes about £200 in fines, was detained in the court until the end of the day's proceedings and £80 was wiped out.

She was told by the bench they could not order any help, but could only urge her to get some.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, told the court she told police: "I'm just trying to earn some cash. Why can't you leave me alone?"

The defendant was in breach of two recently imposed conditional discharges.

Bill Rawstron, defending, said a financial penalty was out of the question.

Hodson had to feed an addiction which, if not killing her, was affecting her well-being physically and mentally.