A 20-year-old carer stole a bracelet from a wheelchair bound cerebal palsy sufferer as she was getting her ready to go into hospital for an operation.

Blackburn magistrates heard the victim, described as extremely vulnerable, was distressed when she realised the bracelet was missing because it had been bought for her by her mother.

Hajrah Jahan, of Bank Lane, Blackburn, was convicted in her absence of theft of a Pandora charm bracelet worth £160.

She was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work.

She was also ordered to pay £115 compensation and £400 costs.

Cathy Allan, prosecuting, said the victim was described by staff at Birch Hall Care Home where she was resident as 'very trusting'.

"She was devastated by the theft of this bracelet by the defendant who was working in the capacity of her carer," said Miss Allan.

The day before she was due to go into hosipital for an operation the defendant and another carer were removing her jewellery.

Everything should have been placed in a bag to be kept safe.

"While they were doing this there was a fire drill and the defendant took the opportunity to put the bracelet in her pocket," said Miss Allan.

"When the victim returned to the home she was given back her jewellery but the bracelet was missing."

When the theft was discovered Jahan was told not to come in to work for a few days.

She eventually returned the bracelet and claimed she had put it in her pocket when the fire alarm went off.

The court was told Jahan had failed to attend for her trial because she is now working as an apprentice dental nurse and couldn't get time off work.