A nurse who stole money from colleagues at Norfolk's flagship hospital yesterday walked free from court.

Single mum Emma Harrison, of Montgomery Close, Bowthorpe, was caught stealing cash from purses, jackets and wallets in a staff locker room at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after the alarm was raised that money was going missing.

Unbeknown to her, a CCTV camera had been set up in the staff room and three serialised �10 notes were planted in a jacket pocket. She was seen entering the room and searching through bags before finding the �30 and putting it in her pocket.

The 30-year-old, who has since lost her job, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft with two other similar offences taken into consideration.

She was given a 12-month community order and ordered to do 160 hours of unpaid work.

Representing herself, Harrison, who has two sons, aged four and 10, said: 'I'm really sorry. I don't know why I did it and have never ever done anything like this before. I've done something really stupid that I shouldn't have done, I've lost my job out of sheer stupidity and I will never ever do anything like that again.'

The offences took place on September 23 and 24. She stole �30 on each occasion. Harrison was also ordered to pay towards costs and compensation, totalling �100.

Simon Wardale, local security management specialist at the N&N, said: 'At the end of September we launched a combined operation with Norfolk police to stop theft from a locker room.

'As a result of the operation, a member of staff was caught. That member of staff is no longer in our employment.

'We will not tolerate any criminal activity on our premises and we are pleased Harrison has been caught and convicted.

'These thefts also serve as a reminder to visitors and staff not to leave valuable possessions unattended.'