A CARER who stole thousands of pounds from a vulnerable man was told by a judge that she should go to jail – but she walked free.

Laura Pratt was caught on a closed circuit television camera at a cash machine as she emptied his bank account of £5,740 over five months.

The judge said that Pratt, who had worked at a Darlington care home for two-and-a-half years, had lived a sad life which amounted to what he described as "exceptional circumstances" for not jailing her.

The 27-year-old lived with her parents who were in poor health and she also looked after a brother, who would all suffer if she was in prison, said the judge, Recorder Jonathon Sandiford.

Pratt wiped away tears as she stepped from the dock with a suspended prison sentence and community supervision with the Probation Service.

Prosecutor Jenny Haigh told the court that the victim, who had learning difficulties, approached staff on August 7 last year at the home for the vulnerable and people with mental health problems, saying that his savings were going down too quickly.

His bank confirmed his fears, said Miss Haigh, and Pratt was found to have worked shifts at the home on the dates when withdrawals of usually £250 at a time were made.

Miss Haigh said that Pratt denied she was responsible when she was questioned by the police until she was shown the CCTV footage of her at a cash machine.

The court heard yesterday that she broke down in tears and she admitted her guilt.

The bank has compensated the man, who said in a victim personal statement which was read to the court by Miss Haigh: "When I found out I was very sad."

Ben Pegman, mitigating, said:"The offence has an element of inexplicability about it.

"When asked why she did it she is unable to express any sensible explanation for it.

"She is a lady with no previous convictions, but a personal vulnerability of her own.

"She said this morning that she wishes she could turn the clock back.

"She lives with her parents who are both in ill health. She would find custody extremely difficult."

Passing sentence, Mr Recorder Sandiford said: "People who commit this offence usually go to prison and that is where you should go today.

"But I have to take into account the impact upon your family, and that represents exceptional circumstances in my opinion."

Pratt, of Emley Moor Road, Darlington, was given a 16-month jail sentence, which was suspended for two years.

The judge also imposed a 12-month community order after she pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud by breach of trust.