A DRUG addict was told how her exceptional personal circumstances had saved her from jail yesterday after she admitted a burglary she could barely recall.

Judge Leslie Spittle told mother-of-two Sarah Playfor, 25, it was rare for house burglars to receive any sentence other than imprisonment, when she appeared before Teesside Crown Court.

After reading pre-sentence reports, he described her situation as "sad" and made reference to her "post-natal situation" at the time of the offence, in the Hartlepool area.

Mike Bosomworth, prosecuting, said Playfor, who was addicted to the prescription drugs diazepam and temazepam, had been seen looking through windows shortly before a man found her in his home.

She gave a confused explanation that she was waiting for a girl called Candice, and claimed she was only 16 and that her children were waiting outside in a car, he added.

But when police arrived, they found jewellery, including a wedding ring, stuffed down the side of a chair on which she had been sitting, said Mr Bosomworth.

Eric Schofield, mitigating, said Playfor's drug misuse was a factor and she had little recollection of how she had got into the house.

Before handing down a two- year community rehabilitation order, Judge Spittle told Playfor, of Owton Manor Lane, Hartlepool: "Courts, and this court in particular, take a very serious view of house burglary.

"You need some direction, you need some help and you need some support."

Playfor must attend a probation programme, called Think First.