A WOMAN who turned to prostitution to fund a drug addiction burgled the home of a client after he refused to pay her, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Emma Thompson broke into the man's home in Hereford and stole his wallet from the room where he was asleep.

Police arrested her 11 days later and recovered the victim's chequebook from her home.

Thompson, aged 26, of Hinton Crescent, Hereford, pleaded guilty to burglary.

Jailing her for two years, Judge Michael Mott said a burglar's motive did not matter, whether it was to collect a debt for prostitution or to get money for the RSPCA.

A night-time raid on an occupied dwelling was a serious offence.

Delroy Henry, prosecuting, said the complainant was a retired man who lived alone. He went to bed on July 1 but left his outside door unlocked for his son.

Thompson got in and walked upstairs. The victim did not realise his wallet had gone until next morning.

Mr Henry said it was the defendant's third burglary since last year and she had convictions for drugs, deception and shoplifting.

Addicted

Paul Farrer, defending, said her criminal record only began when she became addicted to heroin at the age of 23.

Before that she was a law-abiding woman, working in a supermarket and for a restaurant chain.

He said her drug-taking spiralled out of control and added: "She supported it by performing acts of prostitution. But that evening the client refused to pay her."

Mr Farrer said she was angry and aggrieved so broke in and took his property and a £10 note. She did not use the stolen chequebook.

A partner helped her get off drugs the first time, he added, but the relationship ended when he became violent.

She hid herself in drugs again but now resolved to kick the habit permanently.