A carer has admitted swindling thousands of pounds from a frail and vulnerable 89-year-old Ottery pensioner.

Sarah Christie looked after Rose Helyer at her home and was trusted to take out money with her bank card so she could do her shopping.

She used the card to make unauthorised withdrawals of £6,499 over more than eight months, Exeter Crown Court was told.

Christie, aged 50, of Black Lion Court, Honiton, admitted three counts of fraud and her case was adjourned by Judge Erik Salomonsen.

He told her that her sentence would not be more than ten months but that he would await a probation report and further details before deciding if it will be immediate or suspended.

Christie worked for an agency but became friendly with Mrs Helyer and her family and was trusted with her bank card and PIN.

Mrs Helyer has subsequently died on the eve of her 90th birthday.

All the frauds took place between March and November 2016 but they only came to light after Mrs Helyer’s death when her family were winding up her affairs and noticed the discrepancy.

Mr Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said it is the Crown’s case that there had been a significant breach of trust.

Mr Lee Bremridge, defending, said Christie is of previously good character and would benefit from a probation report which may suggest alternatives to immediate custody.