Teresa Maughan (38) had trouble making ends meet on "an extremely limited budget," and needed cash to go to Ireland to visit her cancer stricken mother. Police were suspicious as soon as they were called to the alleged break-in as there was no forensic evidence, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Maughan, who has previous convictions, was given 20 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 weeks with a two-month curfew between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. The defendant, of Padgate Place, Burnley, admitted fraud.

Mr David Macro (prosecuting) told the court that, in October 2006, the defendant's husband took out house contents insurance.

In June last year Maughan contacted police to say her house had been raided while she and her family were on holiday.

Mr Macro said Maughan told officers among items stolen was a Hotpoint washing machine. Police were immediately suspicious because of the lack of forensic evidence and other features.

Inquiries revealed a washer she had bought in August 2006 had never been delivered as the defendant had asked for a refund.

Maughan's barrister told the court the defendant had "made significant efforts since 2003" and expressed remorse for the offence. She was under financial pressure and had had to borrow money from friends to visit her mother, who was suffering breast cancer, in Ireland.