A CARER who stole money from a vulnerable client she was paid to look after, has gone behind bars for the first time in her life.

Linda Peacock, 53, was today (Friday March 15) remanded in custody by a judge at Durham Crown Court after she admitted fraud by abuse of position, despite disputing the amount taken.

The prosecution alleges Peacock took £22,750 between June 20, 2011 and May 17 last year.

It was from a pension lump sum paid into the account of the victim, who is in his 50s.

But Peacock’s guilty plea was made on the basis she took between £4,000 and £5,000.

Judge Christopher Prince said there needs to be a Newton hearing, a trial of issue, to resolve the amount taken before she is sentenced.

But he warned her that regardless of the outcome she would be jailed as the offence is too serious to suspend any term of custody.

The court heard that when she learned the theft was being investigated by police Peacock took an overdose of tablets, 12 days before she was arrested, last July.

She has since issued the threat that if she was to be jailed she would commit suicide by starving herself.

Asked by the judge about that comment, her barrister, Rebecca Brown, told the court: “She now tells me she didn’t mean it and won’t be making another attempt to take her life.”

Applying for bail Miss Brown said: “The comment about going into custody was made to gain sympathy.

“It is not considered she is someone who is at risk of suicide.”

But Judge refused to allow her to remain on bail and Peacock, of Cookson Place, Stanley, will be brought back to court for the Newton hearing on April 17, prior to sentence.