A WOULD-be fraudster walked out of a post office as the postmaster started to make inquiries about a benefits book she was trying to cash.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Antoinette Heap, 39, had a book stolen from a woman's son in a house burglary.

Heap, of Willow Street, Burnley, admitted receiving stolen goods and attempted deception and was bailed until February 22, for a pre-sentence report.

The bench told the defendant, who has 46 previous convictions for theft, that all options would be open, including custody.

The court was told Heap went into Brunshaw Road Post Office, Burnley, and tried to cash the stolen book in a bid to get £122.

The postmaster was aware the book had been stolen.

He started to make inquiries on the phone and the defendant left as he was doing so.