A GRANDMOTHER with a £200-a-day crack cocaine habit broke into the flat of a vulnerable woman after forcing herself through an open window.

Victim Sally Parnell was woken in the early hours of the morning on October 8 when she heard noises coming from the front room of her ground-floor flat, after she had left the window ajar before going to bed.

And when the 60-year-old went out into the living room, she was confronted by Blackburn addict Sarah Healey, 36, who Preston Crown Court heard has a long history of targeting vulnerable people.

Ms Parnell, who has several health issues, pulled an emergency cord situated in the bedroom of her sheltered accommodation prompting Healey to leave again through the same window.

But shortly after the victim discovered that Healey had riffled through her living room, stealing car keys, bank cards and cash.

Prosecuting, David Clarke said: “Ms Parnell had fallen asleep having left some of the windows open in order to let fresh air in, but she was awoken at around 3.30am after she heard noises sounding like someone was trying to open the window.

“She also heard someone shouting prompting her to immediately pull the emergency cord.

"The defendant was being funny and aggressive while inside the home.”

Preston Crown Court heard that the pair knew each other prior to that night, but that Ms Parnell would not have classed them as friends.

Once arrested, Healey claimed in her police interview that she had been let into the flat and that she hadn’t broken in.

Defending, Neil Howard said: “She was aware of this victim as her friend – there had been contact between the pair in the past.

“She would say that she did not target her on that night, she left a friend’s house and saw the window ajar and took the opportunity to climb through in.

“She made the decision because she saw an opportunity, but clearly this offence will have had a tremendous effect on the victim.”

Healey has previously served time in jail for a string of similar offences, including being jailed for 40 months in 2007 for assault with intent to rob.

Mr Howard added: “You have heard of her poor record containing numerous convictions, but this is a record of a lady who has battled drug addiction for many years.

“She first tried alcohol when she was 12 and was taking crack cocaine by the time she was 16.

“Her crack habit can cost £200-a-day. It is not what she wants – this is a lady with responsibilities.

“Her own mother is 56 and has a number of health problems. Her mother is also taking care of the defendant’s 17-year-old daughter in her own home.

“To make matters worse, Ms Healey’s daughter has just had a baby, she stands in front of you a grandmother.”

Healey of Perry Street, Blackburn, was sentenced to 30 months in prison by Judge Andrew Jefferies after pleading guilty to one count of burglary and one count of theft.

A restraining order lasting five years was also put in place, stopping the defendant from contacting the victim.