A WOMAN who smashed a £3,000 shop window told police that God had told her to do it.

Blackburn magistrates heard Cheryl Diane Cheetham was seen staggering down Broadway in Accrington Town Centre late at night by police investigating a reported disturbance.

She was arrested, and the 10ft by 7ft window at the EE shop was later discovered with a crack in it. A broken bottle of wine was found on the pavement.

Cheetham, 41, of Norfolk Grove, Church, admitted criminal damage. She was ordered to pay £250 compensation to EE.

Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said Cheetham told police her intention was to get get drunk, buy some cigarettes and chill out. She went to a friend’s house but she wasn’t in and she carried on with her plans in the street.

She told police: “God told me to smash the window.” Richard Prew, defending, said his client had no explanation for what was an act of vandalism.

“She told police it was God who made her do it."