A WOMAN stole a bank card belonging to a fellow in-patient at a mental health unit before going on an online spending spree, a court heard.

Diane Smith spent hundreds of pounds on websites after swiping the card from a 'vulnerable' person who was receiving treatment, like Smith, for mental health issues at the Carleton Clinic in Carlisle.

The 48-year-old, of Beech Drive in Ulverston, admitted three offences when she appeared before magistrates sitting in Carlisle.

The three offences took place between July 1 and 3 last year, the court was told.

Smith purchased goods from the Foot Asylum valued at £196.96, items worth £169.99 from Pretty Little Thing and finally made an online purchase from Klarna for £49.

She admitted three offences of fraud by false representation.

Gail Heard, mitigating, told the bench Smith has mental and health issues and 'both herself and the victim are vulnerable people'.

She said Smith would like to apologise to the victim and her family, and also to the bank and court.

Smith suffers from depression and has very little memory and feels very remorseful and shame, said her solicitor.

After hearing from a probation officer, magistrates imposed an 18-month community order which includes ten rehabilitation days, 40 hours of unpaid work, compensation to the bank of £388.95 and a £40 fine. She was also in breach of a suspended sentence by committing these offences but it was decided this would not be activated