A care worker stole hundreds of pounds from an elderly disabled woman using her bank card, Lincoln Crown Court was told.
Caroline Sykes, 29, who worked at the Birchwood Residential Home in Grantham, withdrew £1,900 from the account of her 74-year-old victim using the woman’s debit card.
Christopher Lowe, prosecuting, said Sykes also used the card to shop at stores including B&M Bargains and Superdrug.
Mr Lowe said: “This came to light as a result of concerns raised by the victim’s bank.
“The bank contacted the care home and inquiries began that led to the instant dismissal of the defendant.
“She was then interviewed by the police and made false assertions that she had the woman’s permission to use the card.”
Sykes, of Marratts Court in Great Gonerby, admitted theft between June 9-30, 20111 and five charges of fraud.
She was given a six-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months with 12 months’ supervision and a three-month night-time curfew.
Recorder Gareth Evans QC said: “You have pleaded guilty to these offences which were a breach of trust.
“You used an old lady’s card in order to get £2,000. Because there was a breach of trust I have to pass a custodial sentence but it is not an immediate one.”
Stuart Lody, defending, urged that Sykes, who has a two-month-old baby, should not go to prison.
He added: “The offending was committed when she was undergoing a major depressive episode.”