A WORKER on the cigarette counter at Morrisons in Blackburn repeatedly helped herself to money from the till over a five month period.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Shamila Afzal covered her tracks by voiding sales on the till roll which meant that cash in the till matched recorded sales.

But when a stock deficit was identified Morrisons security staff carried out a test purchase with marked notes which Afzal pocketed.

Afzal, 21, of Lynthorpe Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of £50 from her employer on August 24 and theft to a value unknown between March and August 24.

She was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Philip Potter, prosecuting, said that over a 10-week period there was a deficit of nearly £3,000 on one till. Investigations showed a large number of sales had been removed from the audit roll which should only be done if the cashier makes a mistake and needs to correct it.

A test purchase of 200 cigarettes worth £50 was carried out and the transaction was later removed from the audit roll.

When interviewed Afzal admitted taking money but said she didn't know how many times she had done it.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said her client had been suffering severe financial problems with creditors demanding payment.

"She was frightened of the situation she found herself in and succumbed to temptation," said Miss Adamson.

"She has now been sacked and she is going to find it extremely difficult to get employment in the future."