A NEWPORT woman yesterday denied stealing a bag containing £300 cash from a neighbour, claiming she had a “sugar daddy” who funded her £400 a week heroin addiction.

Leanne Preece, 29, of Hopkins Walk, Ringland, is on trial at Newport Crown Court, where she denies a charge of robbery from October 2009. Preece had also charged with intimidation. Judge Paul Thomas yesterday instructed the jury to find her not guilty on this count because of insufficient evidence.

Complainant Anna James, also of Hopkins Walk, claimed Preece barged into her flat hours after it had been burgled on October 6.

Miss James said Preece shouted “you grassed me up to police”, before physically and verbally assaulting her and making off with her rucksack containing cash and cards.

Prosecution James Wilson said: “You stole off Miss James to get back at her because you thought she grassed you up”, adding: “Heroin addicts are desperate, they will get money from any source”.

Preece admitted spending £50 a day on heroin. But, said she has a "sugar daddy”, who gives her money in return for caring for him and doing his shopping.

A list of her previous convictions, including burlglary and assault, were read out and Preece said: ‘If I commit an offence, I admit it”.

She admitted being in Miss James’ house on October 6, but said she had been invited in to have a drink with her. The defendant said “it is not unusual for her to kick off after a drink”.

Preece added: “She pushed me, pulling me really hard by the back of my hair. I turned and punched her twice, defending myself.”

She denied taking the bag, saying: “She hides it in places even she doesn’t know. Sometimes, we’ve had to find it for her”.

Proceeding.