A WOMAN who preyed on vulnerable householders to steal thousands of pounds of goods has been spared jail.

Louise Bramley of Chester Way, Banbury admitted one count of burglary and another count of theft at Oxford Crown Court on Monday.

The 38-year old was given a suspended jail term for the two distraction burglaries, which took place at two addresses in Banbury last month.

The court heard at her sentencing how in both incidents, on August 17 and August 23, Bramley had targeted her victims because of their vulnerability.

The first victim, a 74-year old woman, lived alone at a sheltered housing complex in Banbury and the other, who also lived in the town, suffered from Parkinson's disease.

In the first burglary Bramley used an accomplice to distract her victim while she crept inside and snatched an iPad.

On the second occasion she was let into the house before stealing more than £1,500 worth of jewellery among other items which were never recovered, the court heard.

Bramley was first arrested a day after the first break-in, on August 18, and was released on bail.

It was while out on bail for that offence that she committed the second theft, before being arrested a second time.

She initially denied the offences but pleaded guilty this week.

In mitigation, Ronan McCann, defending, said that his client had long battled with an addiction to Class A drugs.

He said: "Very often it is individuals that come before the court who have been caught out and then seek to throw themselves into the suggestion of support or treatment.

"Prior to her arrest the defendant was voluntarily attending Turning Point [drug and alcohol treatment hub].

"She is someone who tried to turn her life around even before these offences."

Recorder Julian Knowles said that the offences were so serious that he had to impose a custodial sentence, albeit one which could be suspended.

He told the court: "The facts of these two cases are very unpleasant and would have been very distressing for the individuals.

"This was deliberate targeting. It would have been easy pickings for you to burgle."

She was given an 18 month jail term, suspended for two years and made subject to a community order to include a drug rehabilitation requirement for 12 months, a rehabilitation activity requirement for 35 days and participation in the 'Thinking Skills' course.