A WOMAN who pleaded guilty to stealing money from a childhood friend was ordered to repay the money by magistrates this week. Appearing at Ely Magistrates Court on Thursday, 22-year-old Kelly Bacon was ordered to repay the �80 she took from long-time fri

A WOMAN who pleaded guilty to stealing money from a childhood friend was ordered to repay the money by magistrates this week.

Appearing at Ely Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 22-year-old Kelly Bacon was ordered to repay the �80 she took from long-time friend Adam Fendick and was warned to stay out of trouble.

Prosecutor Laura Mardell, told the court that the incident took place on April 9 after Bacon and a friend had met Fendick at a bus stop.

"Mr Fendick says he had known Miss Bacon for about 15 years and met them at the bus stop on his way home, said Ms Mardell.

"He was asked for some tobacco and handed some over and they all got on the bus together and started chatting. Mr Fendick got off the bus in Littleport and Miss Bacon followed.

The court heard that after waking for a while Bacon asked Mr Fendick for �10 but was refused. He was then asked for �5 but that was also refused.

"They reached a metal fence and Mr Fendick moved aside to allow Miss Bacon through first, prosecutor Mardell told the court.

"It was at this point that Mr Fendick felt a hand in his pocket and his wallet fall to the floor. Miss Bacon then picked the wallet up and ran off.

"She handed back the wallet to Mr Fendick some time after the incident and said sorry but �80 was missing."

In mitigation, the court was told that Bacon felt a great deal of regret over the incident and had taken steps to remove herself from the Littleport area and to pursue a new career.

As well being ordered to repay the �80, Bacon was handed a two-year conditional discharge by magistrates.