A HEROIN addict tried to flush a stolen pension book down a police station toilet while under arrest for skipping bail, a court heard.

Angela Palmer, 26, then tried to make out the pension book belonged to her grandmother, Michael Hammond, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates.

It had been stolen from Phyllis Saunders two days earlier while the pensioner was in the recreation area of Harrogate's Wesley Chapel.

Palmer, of Albany Avenue, Harrogate, admitted receiving the book and also pleaded guilty to two thefts from Marks and Spencer, involving a £225 leather jacket and two bottles of whisky worth £25.98, as well as failing to surrender to bail.

Mr Hammond said Palmer, who had sold the jacket for £75 had attacked a store detective when challenged over the drinks theft.

After reading probation reports, which pointed to Palmer's desire to kick her heroin habit, the court decided to offer her help.

Chairman David Gravells made a 12-month drug treatment and testing order, during which Palmer will have to submit to regular tests for drugs. He also ordered her to pay compensation of £225.