A DRUG addict with a history of fraudulent transactions is awaiting sentence after 'conning' garages out of petrol and goods worth almost £150.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Joanne Bowden, 29, presented cheques for fuel and other merchandise knowing there was not enough money in her account.

She used to work at one of the service stations involved and told the sales assistant that the garage would accept her cheque.

Bowden told police at the time of the offences that she was 'messed up'. She said she was taking heroin and cocaine and needed money for drugs.

The defendant, of Board Street, Burnley, who has 25 previous convictions for fraud, admitted four counts of deception.

She was bailed until October 1 for a pre-sentence report and the bench told her they were thinking of giving her 150 hours community punishment.

Glen Smith, defending, said Smith came out of prison last week but the offences were committed before she went into custody.

She was still the subject of tagging which operated until October 5 and still on licence.