FALLEN high-flier Amanda Jones stole model trucks from a family who had taken her in and sold them on internet auction site eBay to pay off debts, a court heard.

Jones, 31, who was made redundant from a Swindon IT firm, admitted theft at Swindon Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The former manager now living with family in Banbury, Oxfordshire claimed she stole DVDs and collectable model trucks worth nearly £500 to pay off debts and survive.

Wayne and Katherine Bunce, of Elmore Avenue, Eldene, expected gratitude when they offered Jones their spare room.

Instead, Jones used Mr Bunce's digital camera to take pictures of his prized collection and then post the images on eBay.

Richard Thomas, prosecuting, said the deceit was exposed last month when Mr Bunce scrolled through the camera's memory.

"He then looked all over the house for the trucks, including the loft, but couldn't find them," said Mr Thomas.

Martin Wiggins, mitigating, said his client had suffered from depression.

"She is desperately ashamed of herself," he said. "She stole from people who took her in during desperate times. This crime was totally out of character for her.

"Miss Jones comes from a successful family and she saw herself as a failure.

"She was a highflier working as a manager for an IT firm but around two years ago she was made redundant."

Mr Wiggins said that his client had only intended to "borrow" the trucks until she could raise enough cash to buy replacements.

Bob Sparling, chairman of the bench, said prison had been an option but decided to give Jones a two-year conditional discharge.

Mr Sparling said: "This is serious. However, you were suffering from depression, and we think you will probably never offend again.

"But if you commit another offence you will be brought back."