A WOOLAVINGTON woman who stole £10,000 cash and £2,860 in cash from a vulnerable woman in her 90's has been spared a jail sentence.

Sharon Davey, 36, from Darkfield Way in Woolavington, pleaded guilty to stealing the money and jewellery from Mrs Barry and was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Friday, September 29.

Rebecca Bradberry, prosecuting, explained that Davey was close friends with her victim, and referred to her as 'Nan'.

Mrs Barry first suspected something after Davey contacted her and said that if a letter arrived in the post regarding a new pin number she should ignore it and Davey would deal with it, the court heard.

Mrs Barry had a friend take her to the post office and was shocked when she discovered she only had £5 left in her bank account.

"The account was one she rarely touched and had £2,865 in it before. It was after this that Mrs Barry first contacted the police," Mrs Bradberry said.

When being interviewed by the police, Mrs Barry also said it was a long time since she had seen her jewellery, which she had entrusted Davey to put in place of safe keeping.

When at home she checked the hiding place and discovered the jewellery was not there. There had been 14 rings of varying value include a diamond engagement ring, a 22 carat wedding ring and a white gold ring, and the court heard that the value of the rings was thought to be in the region of £10,000, but they also had great sentimental value to Mrs Barry.

Mrs Bradberry explained that Davey had sold off the rings to a pawnbroker to help pay her bills.

Defending, Tara Wolfe said: "Miss Davey says she was in a dire financial situation, and was in fear of losing her tax credits when switching to Universal Credit.

"She is worried about what affect a custodial sentence could have on her daughter who she cares for, a 15-year-old with mental health difficulties. She is extremely remorseful for what she has done."

Judge David Ticehurst sentenced Davey to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and also ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation at £10 a week.

"This was a dreadful that you did to a woman who wholly trusted you. She was an elderly lady who came to depend on you and no doubt thought very highly of you," Judge Ticehurst said.