A BLONDE wig and glasses could not disguise Andrea Oliver's crimes at a Blackburn bank.

She tried to change her appearance when attempting to dishonestly withdraw money -- but did not fool a cashier.

It ended in a six months sentence being passed when she appeared before Preston Crown Court for sentence.

Oliver, 26, of Walmsley Street, Darwen, had pleaded guilty to one charge of handling and two of attempted deception.

Mr Mark Savill, prosecuting, said the defendant visited Barclays Bank in Blackburn in November last year, wearing a blonde wig and spectacles.

Oliver tried to obtain £9,000 using a Barclay gold gold visa which belonged to a 50-year-old woman. The cashier told her there was a £500 withdrawal limit on Saturdays and became suspicious of her.

A driving licence was also produced and these were retained by the bank. A couple of days later Oliver returned to the bank carrying more documentation with her.

Once again she was unsuccessful. The police were called and she was arrested.

Miss Clare Thomas, defending, said Oliver had significant financial problems at the time. Her housing benefits had been suspended and she had put a £300 deposit on a flat.

She was introduced to someone who put the offences to her.

Miss Thomas explained: "She was told that if she went into the bank and obtained this £9,000 that she would receive a few hundred pounds herself. Foolishly she saw this an an easy way out.