A MOTHER of four stole a mini scooter as a Christmas present for the daughter she had not seen for two years, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how former heroin addict Michelle Hartley, 29, had lost contact with her youngsters and family but was now clear of drugs and hoped a decent gift for the child would help their relationship.

Hartley, of Harold Street, Burnley, who had been 'wanted by the police,' for five months, had admitted two counts of theft and one of failing to surrender and was put on probation for 12 months. She must pay £75 costs. The bench said that while she had committed an offence on warrant, all the property had been recovered and she had co-operated fully with the police.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Hartley first appeared in court 14 years ago. Between 1989 and 1997, she committed one minor offence, but since 1997, she had been offending regularly. That year, she had been introduced to heroin and had carried out crime to support that habit.

Between July and December, Hartley was wanted by the police. She took the mini scooter because she had not had contact with her daughter for two years and thought, in her own way, if she got her a decent present, that would help the relationship.

She pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and had shown she could turn up at court and could stay out of trouble, Mr Taylor added.