A serial thief stole charity cash minutes after being let out of prison.

Lynne Marais, 32, broke into the visits centre as she left Styal Prison, Wilmslow, after serving half of an eight-week sentence for theft. She emptied a collection box containing £20 belonging to Contact Cheshire Support Group, a charity which provides refreshments and childcare facilities for prisoners and their visitors. Marais, of Chester Avenue, Bootle, was convicted of burglary at Macclesfield magistrates’ court in her absence.

The court heard that Marais was a prolific thief with 17 convictions in 15 years. She was released from prison on licence.

Prosecuting Neil Audley said: “As soon as Marais had left the main gate of the prison she walked into the visits centre and broke into the tea room. Fingerprints taken from the box matched those of Marais.”

Marais denied the charge at previous hearings but did not turn up for trial. Magistrates ordered a warrant for her arrest so she can be sentenced.