Magistrates were told it was a nonsensical offence because Gaynor Elizabeth Sides could have got the same tablets free on prescription.

Sides, 42, of Rhandiregwynen, Llandysilio, Llanymynech, admitted two charges of theft of oxycodene tablets while employed at Bourton Grange residential home in October and November last year.

Mr Nick Hughes, prosecuting, said that a resident's tablets for the relief of back pain were stored in a locked metal container with Sides one of the people to have a key.

During a snap inspection it was discovered that two of the tablets had been pushed out of their capsules but appeared to have been replaced.

The replacements were sent for analysis and discovered to be artificial sweeteners and the police were informed.

On November 15 it was discovered that further capsules had been taken and the package secured with tape.

During a police search a quantity of white powder was found in Sides' possession.

During interview Sides told police that she had suffered from back pain and during a conversation with a male resident was told that the oxycodene were effective.

Mr Alun Williams, defending, said that Sides had nine children and took only 18 days off work as maternity leave, such was her determination to provide for her family.

He said that there were elements of post natal depression in the offences which made no sense because as a Welsh resident she was entitled to free prescriptions and could have obtained the tablets legally within a matter of hours.

Mr Williams conceded that an aggravating factor was that the tablets were replaced with sweeteners which would not have caused the resident any harm, but would not have helped his back complaint.

Sides was sorry for the offence which had led to the loss of her job, Mr Williams added.

Presiding magistrate, Mr Michael Jones, said that it was a breach of trust, not just as an employee but as a carer.

Sides, who had no previous convictions, was given an 18-month supervision order and ordered to pay £34 costs.