A THIEF has escaped an immediate jail term so she can be with her mother who was seriously brain damaged in a road accident.

Burnley magistrates heard how Rebecca Oxley, 24, spends every day at Burnley General Hospital and her mother's progress seems to be dependent on her.

Oxley, of Waterbarn Street, Burnley, was sent to prison for two months, suspended for a year, after admitting theft, failing to surrender and breach of a probation order.

Christiana Buchanan, prosecuting, said Oxley stole three bottles of Oil of Ulay and was spotted on CCTV. She did not turn up for court.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Oxley and her mother were recently in a car crash. The defendant visited her every day and was the only member of her family her mother recognised. Over the last seven weeks that had been Oxley's life.

Oxley had no income, had been living on her relatives, but to her credit had not been stealing, he said.

Mr Taylor urged the court to have sympathy for Oxley who was now being prescribed Valium for her nervous problems.

Oxley and her mother Pauline, 45, were in a Reliant Robin driven by Barry Edwards, 29, of March Street, Burnley, when they were in collision with a stationary heavy goods vehicle on Burnley Road, Weir on August 11.

Mrs Oxley received serious head injuries and was now "comfortable" in Burnley General.

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