A WOMAN stole a widow's pension and split the money with her boyfriend before going on a day-long drinking binge.

Kate Rutherford took £180 from the 77-year-old's bedroom after being invited into her Teesside home for a cuppa.

After a 12-hour boozing session with pals, Rutherford returned to the sheltered housing bungalow to get more money.

But the pensioner refused to allow the 23-year-old in, and summoned help from her son's girlfriend, who lived nearby.

Neighbours called the police when they heard a commotion outside the complex in Dormans Crescent, Redcar, at 1am.

Rutherford was arrested and told officers she had been talked into going back when the group's drinking funds had been spent.

Richard Parsell, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court yesterday that Rutherford immediately admitted taking the cash.

Mr Parsell said the pensioner realised the money had gone when Rutherford left her home at about 1pm on May 5.

The court heard that the elderly woman was upset and frightened and was unable to sleep that night.

At about 1am, she heard knocking at her door and opened it to see Rutherford, who asked if she could use the toilet.

Mr Parsell said the pensioner told Rutherford to "clear off", and called her son, who rang his partner to ask her to go around.

Rutherford, of Marine Parade, Saltburn, admitted burglary and was given a two-year community order with probation service supervision.

Judge Peter Armstrong told her: "This is your first burglary but it had better be your last because if you do anything like this again I don't think there will be any saving you from being sent to prison.

"This sort of offence - particularly where somebody who is elderly is taken advantage of - is serious enough to warrant custody, and if you breach the order I have 12 months in mind."

Duncan McReddie, mitigating, accepted the case was "deliberate targeting" and a "mean-spirited offence", but claimed Rutherford had been pressured into returning to the bungalow.

Mr McReddie added: "Miss Rutherford's associates, particularly one who is well-known to these courts, prompted that return so further funds could be sought so they could continue their drinking spree.

"It was deliberate targeting, but by a rather inadequate person manipulated by someone who can only be described as a career criminal.

"She returned at the behest of some unscrupulous young men."