A SENIOR care assistant who stole a pensioner's savings, was sent to prison, later freed, and is now back in jail.

Diane Heaven, 36, stole £1,150 from an 86-year-old woman and was sent to custody for two months by Pennine magistrates.

She served three days and was released on bail, pending appeal.

But her appeal was thrown out by a judge, who told her what she had done was almost as serious a breach of trust as could be imagined. He added that it might be thought the length of the sentence was merciful.

Judge Edward Slinger, sitting with two justices at Burnley Crown Court, said Heaven had brought shame upon herself and her family.

Heaven, of Garnett Street, Barrowford, had earlier admitted theft.

Kendal Lindley, for the Crown, said Heaven took the money between October 1998 and April 1999. She had been working for the Stella Maris Community Care Service since 1995 and was looking after the housebound victim. Carers were not allowed to deal with clients' bank accounts.

For a period of six months, Heaven began to draw money out of the victim's account. After £1,150 was discovered missing, police inquiries began. She fully admitted writing letters which the pensioner signed and on one occasion took the victim to the bank to withdraw money. Heaven was a woman of previous good character.

Kay Pierpoint, defending, said she looked back what she had done with deep regret.

The offence was completely out of character and was an isolated, unfortunate incident.

Miss Pierpoint added Heaven committed the offence when her husband lost his job and the family was in financial difficulties.

She spent the money on repaying debts and buying Christmas presents for her children.

Heaven, who was now suffering from depression, had paid the amount stolen back in full. She had been punished by spending three days in custody, which had a devastating effect on her.

Miss Pierpoint went on: "She has lost her reputation and self respect and feels she feels she can't go out because of what people are saying about her."

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