A 32-YEAR-OLD woman on her way to appear at Preston Crown Court pickpocketed a purse from a fellow train passenger.

Blackburn magistrates heard that having attended the crown court in the morning, Sarah Healey failed to return in the afternoon because she was using a card taken from the purse to make fraudulent purchases.

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Healey, of Gordon Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to theft of a purse belonging to Rose Pollard and three charges of fraudulently using a debit card. She was sent to the crown court to be sentenced.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Healey had used the stolen card to make contactless purchases. The first two went through because they were under £20, but when she tried to buy food worth £23, the card was refused.

Miss Allan said the theft had caused Miss Pollard much inconvenience.