A 39-YEAR-OLD Trowbridge woman left looking after a key to a friend's flat used it to steal his benefits book.

Jayne Knight then pocketed the money by cashing the cheques at a post office in Chippenham.

The mother-of-one was remanded in custody at Swindon Crown Court on Friday after being on the run for more than three months.

Although Knight carried out the theft and deceptions in late 2000 she was arrested in early 2001 and denied any wrongdoing.

The case went to Swindon Crown Court but she twice failed to turn up for a court hearing and when eventually brought to court on a warrant in April, failed to follow rules of her bail and went on the run.

Knight, formerly of Timbrell Street, Trowbridge, but now living in Longfield Road, pleaded guilty to one count of theft, four of deception and one of attempted deception.

Judge Tom Longbotham said: "The history of this matter is deplorable. You were at large for a long period of time. There are substantial grounds to fear if you are granted bail you will fail to surrender."

The case was adjourned to October 22 for sentencing.