Opportunist burglar Mary Benstead walked into a house and stole a charity tin and a purse
Benstead, 48, walked down the side of the home in Selbourne Road while a woman accomplice acted as a look-out.
Prosecutor Sam Trefgarne told Luton crown court she went through a rear door and was inside for just 30 seconds.
She stole the tin and was later seen on CCTV hiding something under her jacket.
A woman who was asleep inside the house woke up to find her purse and the charity tin were missing.
The police launched a medical appeal and Benstead was identified from CCTV images.
When arrested she was abusive to the officer and denied it was her on the CCTV, said the prosecutor.
Benstead of Crescent Road, Luton appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to burgling the house at 1pm on Saturday, May 18, 2019, last year. She had 29 previous convictions for 49 offences, most were for dishonesty.
Defending, Alesdair King said she had long history of self-harm and drug abuse and suffered with mental disorders.
He said Benstead, who is on benefits, had written a letter of apology and the burglary was her first offence since her release from prison in January 2016.
Judge Andrew Bright QC gave her an 18 month community order with conditions she attends mental health treatment order sessions and 35 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.
She must pay £60 compensation and £200 costs from her benefit.
He told her: “It was a very mean thing you did. It was an opportunist offence. You have a 30 year criminal record and a long standing history of Class A drug abuse.“
The judge went on: “You spent several months in custody on remand. If you don’t comply with the Community Order you can be brought back to court and sentenced afresh and it will involved a substantial sentence.
“I am giving you a chance to stay off drugs and stay on the straight and narrow.“
As she left the court she said: “Thank you, your honour.”
