POLICE found a pensioner's £1,900 savings and other stolen property tucked away in a bath pipe when they searched a woman's home.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Deborah Holden's life had been in turmoil after her boyfriend committed suicide in custody and she had been keeping the cash for her lodger.

Holden, 29, who on another occasion sneaked into the private part of a hotel with her partner, Andrew Pounder, walked free from court after a judge said she had been drawn into the offending by others.

Judge David Pirie said although Holden had been in court before, she had not been involved in such serious matters before.

He added: "You shouldn't be under any misapprehension as to how close you have come to losing your liberty."

Holden, of Burnley Road, Padiham, admitted burglary and two counts of handling stolen goods. She was given 100 hours community service and two years probation.

David Pickup, prosecuting, said the pensioner's handbag was taken after a woman walked into her Burnley home. When she had gone, the victim noticed the bag, containing her £1,900 savings had gone along with a necklace. When police went to Holden's home, they found the money inside a jacket and the pendant in a trinket box in the lounge. A stolen cheque book and card, taken in the hotel burglary, were found in a pipe under a bath panel.

Holden and Pounder had been challenged after being found in the hotel and the owner noticed her handbag and contents were missing.

Dennis Watson, defending, said Holden had found it easier to go along with Pounder's activities rather than challenging them. She had "tagged along" and that was what led to property being stored at her home.

Mr Pounder was later remanded in custody where he committed suicide.

A woman with nine convictions for dishonesty went to lodge with Holden and all the stolen money had been recovered.

Since her arrest last May, Holden had made substantial efforts to put that spate of offending behind her.

She had struck up a close friendship with an older man who had allowed her to live with him and been a stabilising influence on her.

Holden was working part-time for her father and was applying for other jobs.

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