A MOTHER-of-two struggling to come to terms with the death of her boyfriend turned to drugs and crime.

Burnley magistrates heard how Elaine Christie White, 28, was helped by a friend and stole children's clothes for the woman's son as a sign of gratitude.

White, who took the Star Wars themed items from Woolworths, was put on probation for six months, after the bench told her she needed help to get over "this traumatic period".

White, of Camden Street, Nelson, admitted theft.

Linda Forshaw, prosecuting, said when stopped by staff, White told them: "I'm out on bail," and had no money to pay for the goods. She had previous convictions for dishonesty.

John Greenwood, defending, said until last June White was of good character but last summer her boyfriend Simon Cotzec died.

White found it very difficult to come to terms with the loss of her partner. She turned to drugs and crime.

He went on: "The clothing was not for herself, not for her own purpose or not for drugs, but as a show of gratitude for the woman's young son. She accepts she shouldn't have done it, but she had been under a lot of pressure."

Mr Greenwood added White, who was not currently looking after her children, had not gone to the shop intending to steal.

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