A CASH-strapped woman used a credit card stolen from a teacher's handbag, a court heard.

Joanne Bridgewater was later spotted on CCTV using the stolen Nationwide card to purchase cigarettes and mobile phone top-up cards on Friday, March 22.

John Burnett, prosecuting, told the court how the mother-of-two bought the goods after receiving the card, which had been stolen from Gorse Hill Primary School as parents watched the pupil's Easter parade.

"The teacher had attended the Easter parade and left her bag in the class," he said.

"The defendant was identified on CCTV and on Friday, May 17, she was arrested by police. In interview she admitted using the card after it was handed to her and then disposed of it after using it.

"However she refused to say who had given her the card."

Bridgewater, of Holly Mount Road, Tolladine, admitted obtaining property by deception and handling stolen goods when she appeared at Worcester Magistrates' Court yesterday. She was ordered to serve an 18-month community and rehabilitation programme.

Brian O'Connell, defending, said his client had become financially desperate after her mother, who she depended on, had died.

"Drugs are an important part of my client's life," he said.

"She had recently served a custodial sentence, but when she came out her mother, who she had depended on, was not in good health and died of cancer.

"She then got herself into a financial mess and could not cope, but she is trying to sort her life out."