Care home thief Sarah Back wept in the dock as she narrowly escaped a jail sentence.

The nursing assistant was caught stealing money by police spy cameras installed after thefts were discovered at Pembroke Lodge rest home in Aymer Road, Hove.

Back, 22, of Forge Close, Portslade, was filmed pocketing three envelopes, containing £90 in residents' allowances, on the day the camera was fitted.

The mother-of-two was forced to admit what she had done when she was arrested and confronted with the video evidence.

Back admitted theft when she appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court last month.

Andreas Serghis, defending, said she was of previous good character and had taken the money on impulse.

He said: "She was tempted because of financial problems and because it was coming up to Christmas. This was a one-off and she is ashamed and embarrassed by what she did. She feels she has been branded a thief."

The court heard yesterday how her husband, a baker, would have to give up his job to care for their children if she went to prison.

Judge Ann Arnold imposed a 120-hour community punishment order and ordered Back to pay £118 costs.

The judge said: "Because of your age and the fact that you are a young mother, I am prepared to deal with you by way of community punishment. If you fail to complete the order, I want you to be in no doubt you will be sent to prison."