Blackburn magistrates heard when £400 went missing from a tin, the finger of suspicion turned on Rachel Connell, who had previously told colleagues of her financial difficulties.

Connell, 34, of Earl Street, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to two charges of stealing £200. She was remanded on bail until August 21 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Bilal Saeed, prosecuting, said the money, belonging to two residents, had been kept in a tin at the Worston Street, Blackburn, care home.

“She had previously told other members of staff of her financial difficulties,” said Mr Saeed.

She later admitted taking the money from the tin because she was struggling with an addiction.

“She said she had used the money to buy her TV back from from the pawn shop,” said Mr Saeed.

Bill Rostron, defending, said at the time of the offences 12 months ago his client had been struggling with a chronic gambling addiction.

“She is now fighting that addiction and trying to move on with her life,” said Mr Rostron.