A WHITEHAVEN woman was spared jail after she admitted stealing from a pub she managed.

Charlotte Forster, 24, of Scotch Street, was handed a 12-week curfew when she appeared at the magistrates court in Workington on Friday.

The court heard Forster stole £1,195.82 belonging to Weaver Leisure Ltd in Welham, Leicestershire.

The incident happened on February 17.

District Judge Gerald Chalk said ordinarily this offence would attract a custodial sentence.

However he noted Forster was vulnerable and that her partner may have had a leading role in the offence and she may have been used by him.

Judge Chalk said: "You had a high level of responsibility in being a joint manager of the pub with your partner. You were responsible for controlling money and though you did not like the job it was a breach of trust and unacceptable to help yourself to £1,200 more than you were owed."

Forster must pay £597.91 compensation and complete up to 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.