A DRUNK broke into the home of a 64-year-old deaf man on Christmas Eve and stole cash from his pocket as he slept.

Danielle Ainsworth, 23, who knew her vulnerable victim, smashed her way into his house in Oswaldtwistle, through the vestibule door.

She then helped herself to two £20 notes from his wallet without waking him, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The hearing was told Ainsworth, who was caught after leaving blood in the property, told police she had spent £20 on beer and put the rest towards Christmas presents, as she was strapped for cash.

The defendant, of Riding Barn Street, Church, had admitted burglary.

She was given 52 weeks in jail, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision and alcohol treatment.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said the victim fell asleep in the front room just after midnight.

He woke up in the middle of the night and realised somebody had smashed the glass in the door.

His wallet, which had been in his pocket, had been searched and the money taken.

The victim, whose nephew called police, found blood on the bannister and front bedroom light switch and tests showed it matched the defendant.

She was arrested and told police she had been drunk.

The defendant had 41 offences on her record, much of it " petty crime."

David Pickup, for Ainsworth, said that she did not appear to have a full recollection of what happened.

The defendant was fairly dependent on support services and her alcohol abuse made her vulnerable to exploitation by others.

Judge Beverley Lunt told Ainsworth the offence was "mean and despicable," and an abuse of trust.

She said: "You have had a difficult time in the last few years, I accept that, but that's not the fault of this poor old gentleman.”