A ‘DESPICABLE’ thief seen on CCTV stealing a charity collection tin was caught thanks to Lancashire Telegraph readers.

Louise Henwood was arrested after a still from the footage published in the Telegraph was recognised by readers who contacted the police.

The 26-year-old has pleaded guilty to grabbing the Epilepsy Bereaved tin from the counter of Bargain Booze in Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn.

Henwood, of Moorgate Street, Blackburn, also admitted stealing three other charity collection tins - for East Lancashire Hospice, Help for Heroes and the North West Air Ambulance - during a hearing at Preston Crown Court.

The CCTV footage showed Henwood circling the shop before moving to the counter where she took the box and tucked it into her fleece jacket.

She then ran away in the direction of Ewood carrying a walking stick she had earlier been using.

It is thought there was about £80 in the collection box.

The tin was being used to collect money in memory of former staff member Matt Boardman, who died of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in February last year.

The theft, which happened in November, prompted a notice to be put up in the shop asking whether the person who stole it was ‘proud’ of themselves.

Matt’s father Paul, of Prince Lee Meadows, Darwen, said he had been ‘appalled’ that somebody had stolen the donated cash.

He thanked those who had come forward to help the police after the story was featured in the Telegraph.

He said: “I am not surprised she has pleaded guilty because there was so much evidence. There was nothing else she could do.

“It was an outrageous crime and I hope the sentence fits the bill and that she doesn’t get off with community service. It was despicable.”

Ewood councillor Maureen Bateson said: “Stealing charity tins is a completely despicible thing to do. People have given their own hard earned cash in good faith to worthwhile causes.

“It is just a very sad reflection of the times we live in. Not everyone values the need for charity anymore.”

During the hearing Henwood also pleaded guilty to a further theft offence and the attempted theft of a purse.

She is due to be sentenced next month.