A HEROIN addict who raided her ex-boyfriend's parents' home stole his mother's £2,500 sentimental eternity ring and a child's iPad and sold them both for drugs cash, a court heard.

Leeann Varley, 26, had sneaked into the property of Alan and Karen Entwistle while Mr Entwistle was working in his office in the grounds.

She then got £120 for the £3,000 haul, taken from victims who had ‘shown her nothing but kindness’, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The hearing was told Varley had been introduced to heroin by the Entwistle's eldest son, her former partner of three years, and she had started injecting the drug after family tragedies.

Varley, who has never been in trouble before, walked free from court and Judge Jonathan Gibson said he thought the victims would approve of his decision. The defendant, of Rowland Avenue, Nelson, had admitted burglary and had been committed for sentence by Pennine magistrates. She was given a two-year community order, with two years' supervision, a six-months drugs programme and the Lancashire Women's Specified Activity Requirement.

Kimberley Obrusik, prosecuting, said the offence took place on October 21, between 2pm and 2.30pm.

Mr Entwistle later went to read the child a bedtime story from the iPad and found it was missing. Next morning, he discovered his wife's platinum and diamond ring was missing and realised they had been burgled.

He spoke to their eldest son, who had been admitted to rehabilitation and he said he was not responsible, but it would be his ex-girlfriend.

Miss Obrusik said Mrs Entwistle contacted the defendant's mother, who said she had thrown Varley out on October 21. Mrs Entwistle contacted the defendant, who told her she was in a mess and needed help. She told Mrs Entwistle which shops she had sold the items to.