Myfanwy Jane McMillan and the other woman had split the £150 between them. Victim John Wellock, was unaware of what was going on, but the women were spotted by a passer-by.

McMillan (31), a mother of four, of Taylor Street, Brierfield, admitted theft on March 25th. The defendant, who was in breach of a conditional discharge, was given a 12-month conditional discharge with £50 costs and £75 compensation. The defendant, who claimed the other woman picked up the cash, fought back tears as she told the Bench: "I have punished myself enough."

Mr Norman Wilcock (prosecuting) said Mr Wellock had gone to the post office in Colne Road, Brierfield, and, unbeknown to him, dropped his £150 outside. The women picked it up and shared it. The other woman had had no convictions and was given a caution.

McMillan had appeared in court last July for benefits fraud, when she failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a change in circumstances.

Mr Lee Hammond (for McMillan) said she was very sorry. She would say she did not see the victim drop the money and did not know it belonged to a 76-year-old man.

At the time her mother had just passed away, McMillan's carer's allowance had stopped and she had to pay funeral costs. The solicitor added: "It was her also her daughter's birthday and financially she was extremely strapped."