A DRUG addicted single mother of three was used by criminals who found her easy prey, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how vulnerable Zoe Crowther, 30, had been given a stolen debit card and told to use it. She then went on a spree of deception and theft.

Crowther, whose partner is now out of jail and says she will not be picked on again, was given an 18 month community rehabilitation order.

The justices said the defendant had offended while on bail and had an extensive previous record.

Crowther, of Co-operation Street, Bacup, admitted theft, handling stolen goods, two counts of failing to surrender and three charges of deception. She asked for eight offences to be considered and must pay £150 compensation.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, told the court the card was stolen from the victim's car and within hours it was being used by the defendant.

She was later arrested, said she had been given the card by some brothers and was asked to use it.

On another occasion she and another woman went to a man's house and he was distracted while a digibox and mobile phone charger were stolen.

Bill Rawstron, defending, said Crowther was only introduced to drugs two years ago and that had dragged her down.

She was vulnerable as she was a single parent, a known drug addict and was a sitting target for others to use her.