A CARER who gambled an extraordinary £4,000 on a debit credit card belonging to the woman she was supposed to be looking after has been warned that she could be facing a jail sentence.

Joan Mitchell also stole jewellery from the victim.

Sheriff James Macdonald described the crime as a "serious breach of trust".

Mitchell, 54, of Foot Place, Rosyth, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

She previously admitted that between April 24 and May 5, being the carer to a female who was unable to tend to herself, she presented a debit card in the woman’s name to online gambling sites 32 Red, Bet Victor, Betway, Ladbrokes, Jackpot Joy, Pink Casino and Gala Interactive, pretended she was the owner of the card and obtained betting services of £4,000 by fraud.

Mitchell also admitted that between March 13 and May 13, at an address in Rosyth, she stole jewellery from the woman.

Defence solicitor Alexander Flett said: "Clearly this matter is a significant one."

He asked the court if his client could have some time to work out with her family if it was possible to repay the victim the money she stole before sentencing.

Sheriff Macdonald explained to Mitchell that she could be facing a custodial sentence.

He said: "There are some concerns from the report – minimisation and victim-blaming could be a fair assessment.

"In my view, you are facing a serious charge.

"Mr Flett is right, this is a serious breach of trust.

"I am going to defer sentence for four weeks to give you consideration of effective recompense in this case.

"You can only help yourself if you give effective retribution.

"In light of what has been said and your previous conviction, you might want to make sure your affairs are in order when you reappear before this court."

Mitchell will reappear for sentencing on December 11.