A KIDDERMINSTER house cleaner who stole more than £7,000 from a vulnerable 85-year-old woman over a year has been jailed for eight months.

Worcester Crown Court heard that 52-year-old Julie Hutton worked for an hour and a half each fortnight for Hazel Owen, who was in sheltered accommodation suffering from dementia.

She persuaded Miss Owen to sign blank cheques which she paid into her own or her mother's bank account, said Andrew Wilkins, prosecuting.

The theft of £7,446 was discovered by social services and Hutton immediately made admissions. A last cheque, for £300, was stopped by the bank.

Hutton, of New Road, Kidderminster, who pleaded guilty, was of previous good character. Her mother knew nothing of the offences, said Mr Wilkins.

Tim Talbot-Webb, defending, said the thefts began when Hutton's husband left her after having an affair. She was unable to pay the rent on her home and the gas and electricity supplies were cut off. She was in desperate straits and was ashamed she had abused the degree of trust placed in her by a vulnerable lady.

Judge John Cavell said Hutton had taken advantage and preyed upon an 85-year-old suffering from health problems. It was not an isolated incident as 21 cheques had been written out. It only came to light when the victim was unable to pay her rent for her flat. There was no alternative to custody for such a serious offence.