A YOUNG woman who stole her grandfather’s credit cards to escape a loan shark went on to blow thousands on holidays and nights out.

A court heard that Amy Louise Barnett, of Bridge Road, Eston, sank into debt after borrowing money from pay-day loan company Wonga and a loan shark.

The pregnant 20-year-old stole credit cards from her grandfather, Maurice Griffiths, who had previously paid off loans for her.

She initially used the cards to clear her debts but then racked up bills of more than £2,000 as she spent money on nights out, clothes and a trip to Blackpool.

She appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court yesterday (Wednesday, November 7) along with co-defendants Katie McCullouch, 21, and Michelle Metcalfe, 22. Her co-defendants had used Mr Griffiths' credit cards and spent money on bills, clothes and nights out.

Metcalfe also joined Barnett on the Blackpool trip, which was funded by Mr Griffiths’ credit cards.

All three had been found guilty of fraud by false representation and theft.

Neil Douglas, representing the women, said they were “totally ashamed” of their actions.

Mitigating, he said: “One cannot defend the indefensible. Stealing from a grandparent is simply indefensible. No-one is more aware of that than these three ladies.

"Amy Barnett did start with the best of intentions and was trying to get out of one hole with a view to trying to recompense her grandfather down the line but then they all became too familiar with withdrawing money.

"What seemed desperately wrong at first became easier to do.”

Barnett was given a 12 month community order with 12 months supervision and ordered to pay compensation to her grandfather of £2,340.

McCullouch, of Crimdon Close, Middlesbrough, and Metcalfe, of Mccreton Street, Middlesbrough, were both handed 12 month community orders and ordered to do 150 hours of community work and pay compensation of £1,000 each.

Chair of the Bench, Trevor Watson, addressed Barnett, saying: “This was a huge breach of trust, I cannot think of a worse breach of trust. Your grandfather has forgiven you and you are very, very lucky.”