A YOUNG mother with an "appalling record" has won her freedom - and was told by Burnley magistrates it was her last chance.

Nicola Tammy Winchester, 27, who was a passenger in a stolen car, was put on probation for 12 months and must attend the STOP offending programme.

The defendant, of Clare Street, Burnley, admitted handling stolen goods and being carried in a vehicle taken without consent. She must pay £100 costs.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, told the court a stolen social security book was found in a biscuit tin at the defendant's home.

Winchester said a lodger had brought it into the house, but she knew it was there and should have done something about it.

The defendant was a passenger in a car which was stolen and then pinched again after its owner had found it. She had a "particularly appalling record".

Mark Williams, defending, said Winchester was aware the driver of the stolen car was disqualified and that should have created alarm bells. It was a fair assumption that when he turned up, was banned and did not own a car, the chances were it was going to be stolen.

Winchester had spent nearly five weeks in custody and was doing what she could to try and sort her life out. While she had been on remand, she had been burgled and that had caused her distress.

Mr Williams said the defendant wanted to keep in touch with her children. The probation service thought it could work with her. He went on: "She had not gone out looking for trouble.

"On both these occasions, the offences came to her. Perhaps she should take a little more care over who she allows to lodge at her house and her old contacts."

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