A MOTHER-of-two who failed to show up at court or for bail assessment has six months to prove to magistrates she is the reformed character she says she is -- or simply "scheming and conniving."

Former addict Angela Wallace, 27, said to have been "embroiled in heroin at the age of 16," asked the Burnley bench for one last chance and her solicitor said if she did not use it, she would be a "classic candidate" for prison.

Wallace, of Pennine Road, Bacup, had admitted handling stolen goods, deception, attempted deception and breach of bail. Sentence was deferred until next February 6, and the defendant must train for employment, stay drug-free and keep clear of crime. She was told by the chairman: "It's up to you."

Neil White, prosecuting, said after Wallace did not attend court, she was arrested almost three months later, remanded in custody and when she came before the magistrates, a care-sentence report was ordered. She was sent to Highfield House in Accrington, for bail assessment, with a view to going on a drug rehabilitation programme. She never arrived at the hostel, later did not turn up to be sentenced at court and a warrant was issued.

Bill Rawstron, defending, said Wallace had been ecstatic at being given the opportunity to go for bail assessment but came across associates and was told she would be able to get any drug she wanted there. She took the informed decision she was not going to go to the hostel, as she had detoxified while in prison.

Wallace went to stay with her father who was astonished to find she had not only kept off illicit substances, but had had regular contact with her two children whom she had hardly seen.

She had built up an emotional attachment to her children and that was why she did not attend court.

In order to keep off the cravings for drugs, Wallace had spent every moment with her children, and her father had been staggered by her commitment.

Mr Rawstron said Wallace knew this was really the last opportunity for her and she would like to give it a chance.

She had been accepted on a hairdressing course starting in September and she knew, at the age of 27, that if she committed any offences, she was a classic candidate for prison.