Mother and daughter spared jail after conning elderly man out of more than £10,000

A mother and daughter who conned a vulnerable pensioner they were caring for out of more than £10,000 have been spared jail.

Jacqueline Ashbury, 58, and daughter Samantha, 39, were employed to look after Alan Rainbow, 76, who lived on his own in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire.

But the pair used their position to steal Mr Rainbow’s Post Office cash card and steal his life-savings.

In just one month, they used the card 21 times to withdraw a total of £10,700, which they used to pay off drug dealers.

A court heard the pair worked for Olive Care Ltd and visited Mr Rainbow at his home.

Police began investigating after a neighbour noticed Mr Rainbow was agitated because his bank card was missing.

They discovered the pair had been using the card without Mr Rainbow's permission before arresting them.

The pair, of Kidderminster, Worcestershire, admitted fraud by false representation at Worcester Crown Court.

Jacqueline also pleaded guilty to a charge of theft in relation to stealing the bank card.

On Wednesday, Judge Jim Tindal gave Jacqueline a two year prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered her to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.

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He gave Samantha a 12-month sentence, also suspended for two years, with the same amount of rehabilitation days.

During sentencing, Judge Tindal said: 'You have stolen from a vulnerable old man you were supposed to be looking after. There was no excuse for the offending.'

Prosecutor John Brotherton said: 'In total there were 21 unauthorised transactions of the complainants card being used.'

Mr Brotherton said as a result of the fraud, Mr Rainbow was now in a care home and not living independently.

Defending Jacqueline, Julia Powell said: 'She lost her job as a result of the offending.'