A TEENAGER who used a stolen bank card to take hundreds of pounds from a pensioner's account has been jailed for 12 months.

Charlie Dunn was filmed at a cashpoint machine within four hours of the 95-year-old becoming the victim of an apparent doorstep scam.

His barrister told a court that he was not involved in the theft, but a judge said he must have known the victim was vulnerable.

Dunn, who was 17 at the time of the crime in Hartlepool in July last year, admitted a charge of fraud by false representation.

He claimed he had been offered some labouring work and given the card by bosses who said they needed money to buy materials.

Teesside Crown Court heard how he withdrew £500, £20 and £200 within minutes from the hole-in-the-wall at a Tesco Express store.

The health of the victim - who had been in the early stages of dementia, but still independent - rapidly declined, it was said.

Her son revealed in a statement how she became unsettled, and the quality of her life before her death in December was ruined.

Stephen Constantine, mitigating, said: "He was aware the card had been obtained dishonestly by others, but not from whom.

"He tells me he was thoroughly ashamed when he learn the facts. He acted opportunistically trying to do a day's work."

Dunn, now 19, of Wordsworth Avenue, Hartlepool, has made nine court appearances this year, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, heard.

He was locked up for the first time in his life in April when he got 12 months for dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Mr Constantine said: "It is quite often said that the clang of the prison gates has a desirable effect. It has in this case.

"Having had a taste of prison, it is not a place he wants to return to. He has learned by his experiences and is not minded to do anything that would repeat that experience."

Judge Bourne-Arton told Dunn: "I am satisfied because you took the money from the account and it was within four hours it is safe to infer you were party of this from the beginning.

"This woman's self-confidence went after this offence, and the few months that remained of her life were made miserable as a result."