A CARE worker from Pendle was caught red-handed stealing cash from a vulnerable woman the day after the victim’s concerned daughter installed CCTV.

Kate Rawnsley left recording equipment at her 81-year-old mother’s home in Settle and then left an envelope containing £25 in a basket on a table, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Prosecutors said the envelope was endorsed: “Mum...some money for you in case you need it.”

But the next day the CCTV captured one of her mum’s regular care workers, Linda Slater removing the cash, from the envelope and putting it in her bra, the court was told.

Slater, 53, of Shuttleworth Street, Earby, was arrested after police were alerted and a search of her home found bank documents relating to another elderly woman who she was supposed to looking after.

That 70-year-old victim, also from Settle, had “very complex” health problems. An inquiry found Slater had withdrawn just over £18,000 from her account between December 2015 and August 2016.

In a statement, the 70-year-old later said she now found it difficult to trust new carers and felt her trust had been betrayed by Slater.

Prosecutor Emma Downing said when Slater was questioned by police she claimed to be living a “hand-to-mouth” existence.

But further inquiries revealed she had recently been on a foreign holiday, was paying for several mobile phone contracts and had saved up £2,500 in a Christmas catalogue fund.

Andrew Dallas, for Slater, said while it couldn’t be said exactly where the money had been spent it was not a case involving “a champagne lifestyle”.

He said Slater was extremely sorry for what she had done and was “absolutely terrified” of being sent to prison.

Mr Slater said an immediate jail term would result in Slater losing her home and she would not be available to help her own elderly mother who was due to undergo an operation on her back later this month.

Slater, who pleaded guilty to theft and fraud charges, was given a two-year jail term, suspended for 24 months, by Judge Colin Burn. She must carry out 300 hours community service and 15 days of rehabilitation activities.

The judge told Slater she had been caught “red-handed” taking the cash from envelope and the offending against the second victim may have continued but for her arrest.