A WOMAN in a wheelchair suffered trauma and distress when her friendly care worker stole from her bank account on four occasions.

Pauline Ann Hunt, aged 43, of Devonshire Road, Atherton, admitted stealing £200 over the Christmas and New Year.

Leigh magistrates heard she used a bank card and PIN number belonging to Christine Anne Shovelton (See Christine's care crisis call).

Hunt also admitted stealing £40 of gift vouchers, £15 of Tesco saving stamps and later attempting to steal more cash.

Mr Geoffrey Southcote-Want, prosecuting, said: "It was an abuse of trust and it is almost impossible to describe the trauma suffered by the aggrieved. She really trusted this person. Compensation by way of £320 has been paid."

Pleading for Hunt, Mr Tony Wymss said there was now stigma attached to his client. She had lost her job and she was absolutely distraught when arrested.

He added: "My client was a trusted and respected person. She did not spend the money but kept it and had every intention of paying it back."

Hunt was given a year probation sentence with the condition she attended a rehabilitation course at Bolton and must pay £60 costs.

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