A 32-YEAR-OLD woman who helped herself to her sick great uncle's life savings, is awaiting sentence.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Claire Palmer was supposed to be looking after pensioner Herbert Hubbard's finances. Instead, she pinched more than £1,500, leaving the 87-year-old with £3.24.

Peter Buckley, prosecuting, told the court Mr Hubbard had a number of medical problems, had suffered a stroke and would not have been fit to attend court.

He lived in sheltered accommodation in the Hyndburn area and since moving there had been unable to look after his finances properly.

A friend was appointed to look after his money but became ill. The defendant was then taken on and was appointed deed of attorney, by a manager from the Benefits Agency in Burnley.

Mr Buckley said Palmer was able to write cheques and make withdrawals from the victim's bank account at Lloyds TSB in Accrington.

Last June 27, he noticed £250 had gone from his account and was aware the defendant was going to make that withdrawal.

The cash was meant for shopping, cigarettes and spending money. Mr Hubbard then noticed seven further transactions. A total of £1, 510 was withdrawn from his account over nine days.

When Palmer was arrested last July she admitted withdrawing the money. Palmer claimed she had handed over the cash to Mr Hubbard but he was suffering from severe memory loss.

Palmer, formerly of Barnes Street, Clayton le Moors, and now of Hollin Bridge Street, Blackburn, had earlier admitted seven counts of theft, between May and June 2002.

She was unconditionally bailed until August 14, to attend Bury Magistrates Court, sitting as Bolton Crown Court.

The case was adjourned for more detail's about Palmer's previous offences.