A WORCESTER mother-of-three who stole £20,000 from a blind, bed-ridden man has been jailed for two years.

Charlanne Pinfield was the principal carer for 62-year-old Roger La Croix, who is blind and suffers from multiple sclerosis.

But Worcester Crown Court heard that she siphoned the money from his accounts over a two-year period, frittering it away on such things as online bingo. Pinfield, aged 38, of Gregory’s Court, Worcester, admitted three offences of fraud, making unauthorised withdrawals from his bank and investment fund. Gareth Walters, prosecuting, said Mr La Croix had been confined to his bed for many years and needed 24-hour attention from two carers. Pinfield shared duties with her mother, Rona Graham, his former partner.

When Mrs Graham moved to Cornwall, Pinfield became the principal carer, assisted by her sister Michelle.

During 2008 and 2009 money was taken from his two bank accounts which was far in excess of the wages needed to be paid to the carers. Mr La Croix had “very inexpensive tastes” which included food, drink and three cigars a day.

When an investigation began, it was found that Pinfield was spending up to £500 a month on on-line bingo but a probation report concluded there was not a gambling habit.

Interviewed, she claimed that legitimate cash had been withdrawn to pay wages and that Mr La Croix was an impulsive buyer.

Charles Hamer, defending, said Pinfield had no previous convictions or any explanation about how she came to steal the money. She had genuinely cared for Mr La Croix but fell subject to temptation when there were financial pressures following her mother's move to Cornwall. At one stage, she paid back £5,000.

Recorder Malcolm Morse said the victim of the fraud said he was "gutted" by what had happened.

Since Michelle had taken over, the accounts were now in credit.

The recorder said it was a gross and repeated breach of trust and he was imposing custody to deter other people acting as carers from thinking they could take easy money.

After the hearing, both PC Kirsty Hickling, who investigated the offences, and Mr Lacroix welcomed the sentence.