A woman who admitted stealing thousands of pounds from a preschool has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Helen Woodgate, 40, of Littlegate, Loddiswell, admitted stealing £15,500 from Loddiswell Preschool over six months, between February 12, 2016, and August 31, 2017, at a previous hearing at Plymouth Crown Court.

The judge gave his verdict as Woodgate cried in the dock. He described her crimes as "a disgraceful theft from a small community group" and amounted to a "breach of trust".

He sentenced Woodgate to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, 20 rehabilitation required activity days, 60 hours of unpaid work in the community within a year and ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge.

He added: "In your current position you are unable to pay back the money you stole. I am only able to make a compensation order if you have the ability to pay."