THE vice-chairman of an Accrington club was duped and fleeced of cash after a criminal turned up claiming to be his long lost niece, a court was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard James Blanchfield handed over money and his house keys after Rebecca Duxbury, 23 who was on licence from prison arrived at the Canine Club, Abbey Street, asking to see her "Uncle Jim".

Mr Blanchfield had a large family with various children and grandchildren, could not keep track of them and so was taken in by her claims.

The defendant then went on to steal his wallet and cash from his home and was about to try her hand at his house again when Mr Blanchfield realised he had been tricked and the game was up, the court was told.

Duxbury, of Hare-clough Close, Blackburn, admitted burglary and attempted burglary last August 1 and 2 and deception.

She was jailed for 12 months, to be served after the 230 day unexpired portion from her previous sentence.

The court was told Mr Blanchfield received a call from the club secretary, saying a relative was there.

Mr Blanchfield spoke to the defendant and offered to pay for a taxi if she wanted to visit his home on Malham Avenue.

Shortly after, Duxbury arrived in a cab and Mr Blanchfield handed over £10.

He also gave his "niece "£20 as he wanted to help her out.

The pair chatted but it seemed Duxbury wanted to avoid talk about the family.

The defendant said she had to go to Accrington and Mr Blanchfield offered to take her.

The victim also said she could stay at his home for the night and gave her his house keys in case she got in late. When Mr Blanchfield got home he noticed his wallet had been moved and £90 was missing.

The following morning the victim went out and when he returned home he found Duxbury at his door.

She walked towards him and at that point Mr Blanchfield realised she was not a member of his family.

He asked for his keys back and they were returned, The court was told Duxbury was arrested last August 9 and gave a statement denying the offences.

Duxbury made no comment except to claim she had met Mr Blanchfield when she had fallen over in Accrington town centre. She admitted he had given her £30 but said there was no deception involved.

The defendant denied taking any cash from Mr Blanchfield's wallet and said she went back later to his house to return his keys.

Duxbury denied ever having said she was part of the victim's family.