A JUDGE has warned a pregnant woman she can expect a jail sentence for a daytime raid on a house.

Lisa Reeve and two men were spotted acting suspiciously outside the victim's home in Hanley Castle, near Pershore.

One man loaded a TV into their car and jewellery was also stolen during the break-in.

Reeve, aged 28, was traced after her car registration was noted by a family out for a walk. She admitted burglary.

Judge Andrew Geddes told her that "as an act of mercy" he was adjourning sentence until Thursday, March 14 because her baby was due at the end of February.

He had been concerned about the prospect of her giving birth once in jail. But he warned: "Anticipate going to prison. Domestic burglary is a serious offence."

The judge advised Reeve to reveal to police the identities of her accomplices, which she has steadfastly refused to do. He said such action could reduce her sentence.

Ransacking

Richard Bond, prosecuting, told Worcester Crown Court the householder, who was also pregnant, forgot to activate her burglar alarm on April 8 last year when she left home to visit a friend.

The family, out walking, became worried when a TV was loaded into the car boot. As the trio drove off, they cheekily waved at the family.

A check of the house then revealed a broken window and ransacking inside. The car number was passed on to police.

Reeve told officers she was outside the house at the request of men she was taking on a test drive. She did not know their names.

Mr Bond said she did not think it was strange that she had driven 28 miles to a dead-end road in an isolated village. Jewellery was found in the car.

He said the victim, a month away from giving birth, was very upset when she discovered rings, gold ear-rings and a neck chain had been stolen.

Reeve, of Bishop's Cleeve, near Cheltenham, had not got out of the car but had acted as lookout for the men.

Tabby McFarlane, defending, said Reeve - who was granted bail - made up the ludicrous story of the test drive because she was terrified of going to jail.