A care home worker who stole from an elderly woman with dementia received a 12 month Community Order with supervision in court on Monday.

Gemma Ballard, 21, of High Street, Warminster, pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud, having used her position to obtain the financial details of the victim, who is in her 80s, for internet shopping.

She was dismissed from her role at Longbridge Deverill House after police received reports in January of erroneous financial transactions within the victim’s bank account.

Ballard was also ordered to pay compensation totalling £372.60 at North West Wiltshire Magistrates Court.

Detective sergeant Martin McDonagh said: “The victim was elderly and suffered from dementia, and as such depended entirely upon those individuals entrusted to provide her with care.

“Miss Ballard abused this trust, with the repercussions of these actions not only being felt by the victim, but also by her family who have an implicit expectation that their loved ones are afforded appropriate standards of care and dignity at all times.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to those involved in this investigation for their co-operation, including Longbridge Deverill House who took prompt action to address the situation.

“This form of offending has no place in society and is entirely unacceptable.

“Wiltshire Police are committed to ensuring that allegations received are subject to rigorous investigation and, where necessary, appropriate action progressed against those responsible.”

Anyone who believes themselves or a loved one has been a victim of this type of crime can contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.