A CASUALTY patient stole purses from staff at two hospitals where she was seeking treatment following an alleged assault.

Donna Bullough took the property from staff rooms at Leigh and Wigan Infirmaries.

And Wigan magistrates heard how she later had a taste of her own medicine when her own purse was stolen as she attended court.

The 22-year-old, of Young Street, Leigh, had pleaded guilty to two offences of burglary, entering casualty department staff rooms to steal property, and also taking eight pens belonging to Wigan and Leigh Health Authority.

Mrs Diana D'Courcy, prosecuting, told how an auxiliary nurse at Wigan Infirmary had her handbag containing a purse stolen from the staff room.

Other members of staff recalled seeing Bullough pushing a pram and she had been seen near the room. The defendant was seen and the handbag was found under the pram, on a shelf.

Bullough had taken another purse and some perfume at Leigh Infirmary. The items belonged to a member of staff in the minor injuries unit.

It became apparent that she had first gone to Leigh before being referred to Wigan Infirmary.

Bullough was remanded on bail.

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