AN Asda cashier who stole more than £4,300 from her bosses at the Burnley store has been jailed for eight months.

Karren Ashton, 38, helped herself to money and then set out to make the books looked like they balanced.

She worked almost unsupervised in the cashiers' office because she was so trusted, the town's crown court heard.

The defendant, said to have taken on a bigger mortgage but without increased earnings to match, was now being pursued by Asda for £17,000 through civil proceedings.

Ashton, of Malham Road, Burnley, admitted 27 counts of theft between April 2003 and December 2004.

Sentencing, Judge Barbara Watson told the defendant she had lost her good name and brought distress and humiliation on not only herself but her family. She had also betrayed her colleagues.

The judge said Ashton had come from a good background and had worked hard but she had seriously breached her bosses' trust.

Judge Watson went on :"This was a calculated pattern of dishonesty which went on for 20 months. That demonstrates to this court a considerable degree of persistence by you."

She added she also wanted employers to see the courts took appropriate action to deal with dishonest former workers.

Katherine Pierpoint, prosecuting, told the court the defendant stole amounts between £100 and £250.

Police were called in last April and Ashton was interviewed in May and June. She made no comment.

Katie Jones, defending, said Ashton was very remorseful and bitterly regretted what she had done.

She had found herself under some financial strain, although she knew that was no excuse.