A WOMAN stole £3,500 of jewellery and money from her parents to sell in order to raise money to buy drugs.

Elizabeth McLean, 20, of Montalbo Road, Barnard Castle, stole several items including an 18 carat gold, diamond and emerald ring and a nine carat gold charm bracelet.

Prosecutor Alan Davison told Newton Aycliffe magistrates that money was taken from McLean’s father’s wardrobe and jewellery from her mother’s bedside cabinet.

He said the thefts started in January 2011 and that McLean made about £1,050 from the crime.

Mr Davison said some of the items, which could not be replaced, had sentimental value.

Alan Willoughby, mitigating, said he had very little to add outside of a pre-sentence on McLean. He said that she now had a 20-month old baby and that she still lived with her parents.

McLean pleaded guilty to a theft charge. The magistrates imposed a 12-month community order and £85 costs.