A WOMAN systematically milked elderly people's bank accounts and paid most of the cash into her partner's account.

Julie Powell stole a total of £9,600 from customers who banked with the Halifax Bank at Castle Hill Properties in Lowton.

Powell was suffering financial difficulties and took the cash over a period between March and November 2000.

The court heard she and Christopher Hardman had remortgaged their home to raise £10,000 to pay back the Halifax.

Powell, aged 28, of Bainbridge Avenue, Lowton, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence after she admitted 11 charges of theft from the Halifax and was sentenced to complete a 240 hour Community Punishment Order.

Prosecutor Mark Fireman said Powell worked at Castle Hill Properties in Lowton which acted as an agent for the Halifax Bank.

The thefts only came to light when one customer noticed that money had been taken from her account without her knowledge. Powell was thoroughly ashamed and remorseful of what she had done and had not told her partner anything about the thefts.

Recorder Arthur Noble said it was a sad case and he thought Powell would not re-offend. He said a prison sentence would have been normal but she had repaid the cash.