A carer who raided a “frail and aged” pensioner’s bank account while she was being treated in hospital has been spared jail.

Lydia Stratford died not knowing that 52-year-old Paula Palliser had helped herself to £750.

But a judge suspended eight months imprisonment for two years after hearing she was a carer for her ailing husband and her sister.

She was also ordered to complete 150 hours unpaid work and pay back the £750 to the victim’s estate within 28 days.

Palliser, of New Road, Minster, was due to stand trial in June, but she this week admitted eight fraud charges. Her not guilty plea to defrauding a couple was accepted by the prosecution.

Maidstone Crown Court was told she had worked as a valued carer for 22 years without any blemish on her character.

But while employed by Boldglen Home Health Care Services in 2013, she made several unauthorised withdrawals from Mrs Stratford’s bank account.

"These were, therefore, calculated and, it has to be said, particularly mean spirited offences...” Judge David Griffith-Jones QC

Prosecutor Robert Brown said concerns were raised in March 2014, but the investigation could not progress.

It was not until 2017 when police were investigating concerns about another client that the previous matter was revisited. The withdrawals by Palliser were then discovered.

When questioned, Palliser claimed she had only withdrawn cash with the victim’s permission. But withdrawals were made while Mrs Stratford was in hospital.

She later said she had been lent £400, but had paid it back. Charles Langley, defending, said Palliser looked after her husband, who had a crumbling spine condition.

She also cared for her sister living next door, who had mental health issues and was in remission for lung cancer.

Mr Langley said Palliser suffered from stress and depression. He added that she was remorseful and had brought £750 to court to repay the money she took.

References praising Palliser for her “high standards” in the caring profession were read out. Her sister stated she would never have got through her health problems without her.

Mr Langley said Palliser would not be able to work in the role again.

Passing sentence, Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said of the victim: “You took advantage of her absence to use her bank card. These were, therefore, calculated and, it has to be said, particularly mean spirited offences.”

He continued: “Your culpability has to be assessed in the higher category. It involved a gross breach of trust in relation to the victim, and also your employer.

“The greatest mitigation lies in your guilty pleas. You now express remorse.”

Palliser told him: “I do your Honour.”

The judge added: “It will come as no great surprise to you that I take the view a sentence of imprisonment is demanded.

“Nothing less will do, given the seriousness of the offences, but in view of your circumstances, and particularly that others are reliant upon you, I propose to give you another chance.”

Palliser was order to pay £500 prosecution costs.