A VET'S receptionist whose phone was stolen from her desk went to the nearest mobile phone shop and alerted them to the possibility that a woman might come in and try to sell it.

Blackburn magistrates heard that shortly after Catherine Elizabeth Howson went into the shop with the stolen phone.

There was a confrontation with the owner before the police were called and intervened, the court heard.

Howson, 33, of John Street, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to stealing a mobile phone worth £250 belonging to Samantha Jenkins.

She was sentenced to a community order for 12 months with 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Matthew Siddall, prosecuting, said Miss Jenkins had been helping a delivery driver and when she returned to her desk discovered her phone was missing. She was told by a colleague a woman had just left with something in her hand.

A check on CCTV showed Howson leaving the surgery.

"Miss Jenkins was right to go to the nearest mobile phone shop because the defendant went there shortly after and tried to sell her phone," said Mr Siddall. "The staff contacted Miss Jenkins and there was something of a stand off before the police arrived."

Jonathon Taylor, defending, said his client had committed the offence because drugs were taking hold of her again.

"She needs help and would welcome the intervention of the probation service," said Mr Taylor. "She wasn't overly concerned about being caught because of her desperation."