A TEENAGE girl who withdrew money from a cashpoint machine ended up in a 'tug-of-war' over a £10 note.

Although an older woman ran off with the money, the description of the culprit was so accurate that police immediately realised they were looking for Wendy Horrocks.

Horrocks, 25, of Fountain Street, Nelson, appeared at Preston Crown Court and pleaded guilty to theft.

Bob Elias, prosecuting, told how the 16-year-old victim was in Nelson town centre last October and went to the Nat West cash machine.

She withdrew £10 and put away her cash card when the defendant grabbed her hand saying 'Give me that.'

A tug-of-war took place. Eventually Horrocks managed to run off, but the girl gave a full description to police, which included details like a gaunt face and chipped tooth.

When the description was passed on to police control it was realised that Horrocks must be responsible.

She had 48 previous convictions for theft, mainly shoplifting.

Defence barrister Julie Taylor, said Horrocks had been on remand for four and a half months since her arrest. She had detoxified from drugs and had been drug-free for a long while.

"She recognises it is only the first step on the ladder to a long and hard battle to remain drug-free. She recognises she needs help to stay drug-free."

Sentence was adjourned to March 14 to test her suitability for a drug treatment and testing order.