BOOKIES clerk Joan Dickson was an odds-on favourite to be a winner.

In all, the 31-year-old managed to net herself around £6,500. The only problem was - she cheated.

For magistrates at Bury heard how Dickson, of Berkshire Court, Bury, used her position at the Mick Dines Betting Office in Bury to make her money.

Prosecuting, Mrs Diane Spence described how Dickson was employed to take bets and then make out payments to the winners. She started to have a little flutter herself only instead of putting in her slip before the races started, she waited until after the result was known and submitted claims which were paid out. The crime was easily detected by her employers.

Dickson, who pleaded guilty to two charges of dishonestly obtaining cash by deception also asked for three other matters to be taken into consideration.

The case was adjourned until November 12 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.

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