A MOTHER of two who raided a man's Burnley home has been spared jail, and is set to be one of the first to go on a new course targeting women offenders.

The town's crown court heard how Stephanie Boyle, 38, who has had drink and drug problems, took a £1,200 haul from the property in New Hall Street.

She was caught out after police arrested a youth, who had been taking items to her home, in the street. Officers went to her house in the early hours and found stolen goods stashed there.

Boyle, who struck when she had relapsed into alcohol and needed cash for drink and heroin, had gone out looking for a house to invade.

She was said to have panicked that day as she had been suffering ill health, had received a hospital appointment and was frightened of what the diagnosis might be.

Boyle admitted burglary on February 26 and had been committed for sentence by Burnley magistrates.

The defendant, of Spencer Street, in the town, was given nine months in prison, suspended for two years, with a two-year community order and supervision.

The hearing was told Boyle, who was locked up for arson in 2002, had not offended for four years.

Probation officer Nick Powell told the court a new, intensive, scheme was about to be set up.

It was being run by women probation officers in Burnley and Nelson, for female offenders, and it addressed issues more relevant to them.