A CARER who made home visits to assist an elderly Alzheimer’s sufferer regularly breached the trust placed in her by dipping into his wallet to take money.

During less than ten months Lydia Joy Chamberlain visited the home of the 84-year-old victim, in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, during 2013, his bank withdrawals increased by about £5,500 compared to the previous year.

Durham Crown Court heard that although he was, and remains oblivious to her activities, his family became concerned at the increased withdrawals, given that there appeared to be no difference in his relatively simple spending needs.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said they laid a trap, marking and making note of serial numbers on several bank notes placed in his wallet.

When they returned the following day, after a work care visit by Chamberlain, on November 29, 2013, £60 was missing from the wallet, always kept in the pocket of his jacket, which was hung on the back of a chair or door.

Covert cameras set up by the family covering the jacket, recorded footage of Chamberlain rummaging in it, taking out his wallet, from which something was removed and placed in either her pocket, or down her trousers.

Mr Dryden said police were informed and Chamberlain was arrested and interviewed.

She conceded having financial worries herself, making use of a debt management company, but denied taking any money.

When further evidence was put to her in a subsequent interview she maintained her denials.

Mr Dryden said the family noted that in the period after she was suspended by her care agency employer, following her arrest, the withdrawals from the victim’s account returned to their previous levels.

Chamberlain, 25, of Easby Avenue, Middlesbrough, denied two counts of theft, claiming she went into his jacket with her client’s permission.

But, she was convicted following unanimous jury verdicts on the third day of her trial at the court in September.

Alison Pryor, mitigating, said the defendant, who is of previous good character, still works as a carer, despite her new employer being made aware of the conviction.

Testimonials were handed to the court, stating she still has the support of family, friends, as well as colleagues, old and new.

Miss Pryor said if she were to be given a suspended sentence it would enable Chamberlain to repay the stolen money from her earnings.

But, Judge Christopher Prince, who read the pre-sentence report drawn up by the Probation Service, said it still appeared that she denies taking the money.

“The jury had little hesitation in rejecting your explanation and were sure that you were taking regular sums from that very vulnerable man’s wallet, a total of between £5,000 and £5,500.

“Had you not been caught I have little doubt that you would have continued to steal from him."

He imposed a two-year prison sentence and set in train proceeds of crime proceedings, in a bid to see what money can be confiscated from Chamberlain.