An "isolated" mum who went shoplifting had no cash, Burnley magistrates heard.

Renata Kohutova, 28, had come to this country from Czechoslovakia in August, had spent two months ill in intensive care and was not eligible for benefits, the court was told.

The defendant, who would be sending her child back home because of her money troubles, went out pinching in Home Bargains and Wilkinsons in Burnley.

Kohutova , of Cooper Street, admitted two theft charges. She was fined £100 with £65 costs but the bench deemed the money paid as she had spent two nights in custody just before Christmas.