A HARD-up mother-of-three spent more than £100 in cheques at a service station - but did not have any cash in her account.

Burnley magistrates heard how Victoria Parkinson, 31, told police there would be enough money to honour all cheques in two days - but all were returned by the bank.

Parkinson, of Ethel Street, Barnoldswick, was conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay £116.38 and £65 costs compensation. She admitted three counts of evading a liability by deception.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Parkinson went into Colne Service Station and passed a cheque for £33.

Three days later she went in again and wrote another cheque for £43.73.

The two cheques were returned and when she went back a third time, she was told a cheque for £39.65 would not be accepted without a guarantee card.

Police attended, Parkinson said her account would have sufficient money in two days, but the cheques were all returned again.

Gary Bolton, defending, said Parkinson was having severe financial difficulties and a mounting spiral of debt.

She was very sorry for what happened and wanted to apologise to the court.

She co-operated with police and had been kept in custody, which was a very distressing experience for her.

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