A MOTHER-OF-TWO stole cash from her elderly grandmother and disabled uncle to buy drugs.

Victoria Hawley, of Wordsworth Crescent, Gateshead, took more than £3,000 from 84-year-old Elizabeth Nichols, and pocketed more than £1,000 belonging to her son James Nichols.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how her deception came to light when Mrs Nichols checked her bank statement and realised her money had vanished.

Prosecuting, Roger Liddle said Hawley, who has no previous convictions, was confronted and confessed taking the cash to buy cocaine with her husband.

The court heard how Mr Nichols, who lives with his mother in Washington, Wearside, has been house-bound for 15 years.

Hawley, who admitted eight charges of theft, five of obtaining by deception and asked for 24 similar offences to be taken into consideration, told police she and her husband had used the stolen cash to buy drugs.

Stephen Rich, in mitigation, said Hawley, of is now divorcing her husband and is determined to make something of her life.

Judge Guy Whitburn branded what Hawley did as "mean", but said he was prepared to adjourn sentence for six months to see if she could start making constructive changes in her life.