A HEARTBROKEN pensioner today told of how she was betrayed by a teenage thief who she invited into her home because she felt sorry for him.

And the 90-year-old woman, who had money and valuables systematically stolen by the boy over several months, said she felt like a fool for ever allowing him to worm his way into her affections.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted forcing his way into the woman's home and stealing from her purse after absconding from the care of the local authority last Thursday.

He has also admitted two other counts of burglary and one of theft from her.

On the latest occasion the woman had to borrow 20p from a passer-by to call police because the teenager left her with nothing.

The offences have prompted the woman's family to call for the teenager to be kept in a secure unit to stop him preying on her.

And her son-in-law said: "I could kill him for what he has done."

The victim, who is called Hilda and lives in the Bank Top area of Blackburn, said she had known the boy since he was about six years old.

She said: "He used to knock on my door and say 'can I have a cup of tea?' or 'can I use the toilet?'.

"I saw him two or three times a week and I felt sorry for him. One morning I was going to the post office and he came and asked if I would lend him some money.

"When I got home he took some of my pension money. He said he would bring it back but he didn't. He used to sit in the chair by the window because I kept my bag there.

"I reported it to the police a few times but there were other times I didn't. I feel like a fool really for letting him in. Now I want to see him suffer like I have."

Hilda's daughter Patricia Whitaker, 71, and son-in-law Jim, 61, who live in St Mark's Road, Blackburn, said the total taken ran into hundreds of pounds. They said he had also stolen marriage and birth certificates, jewellery, and personal items from the great grandmother.

Jim, a production manager, said: "She has changed 95 per cent since this has happened. I could kill him for what he has done to her. She doesn't look after herself like she used to do and her memory is going.

"This boy is not a burglar who has gone into a stranger's house. She has been kind to him and he has thrown it back in her face. The courts are too soft with people like this. He should be kept in a secure unit but he will probably get a television, video and games."

The youth is in secure custody until December 9 when he will be dealt with for three offences of burglary and one of theft.

An Age Concern spokesman said: "Older people are often the victims of distraction burglars who con their way into their homes. This can have an emotionally and financially devastating impact."