A PROLIFIC thief who snatched a shopper's handbag and pocketed £280 has walked free from court.

Burnley magistrates heard Vanessa Daly, 37, offended when she was unhappy in her marriage. She has since divorced.

Daly, of Shakespeare Street, Padiham, who was in breach of a conditional discharge for shoplifting and subject to a community rehabilitation order for theft in January, was given another 12-month community order. She admitted theft on April 3. The court was told Daly was seen by a Morrisons manager to raid the victim's handbag from her trolley. The manager confronted her and police were called.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said Daly had difficulties in her life. Her probation officer was concerned about her mental health and a doctor's report would help if the bench was considering jail.