A CARER who stole thousands of pounds from the woman she was supposed to be looking after says her gambling addiction has "destroyed her life".

Joan Mitchell, 54, of Foot Place, Rosyth, gambled £4,000 on a debit card belonging to the victim and also stole a quantity of her jewellery.

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.

Sentencing was deferred last month to give Mitchell time to make effective recompense.

When appearing on Wednesday at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, defence solicitor Alexander Flett said his client had taken steps to get access to a pension for restitution but the process had not yet been completed.

"I am told it will raise enough funds," Mr Flett said.

Mitchell was employed by the victim, who had suffered from a stroke 12 years ago and uses a wheelchair, to help with her day-to-day care.

The woman had trusted the accused with her debit card and pin. But, when she completed some checks on her bank balance, she was shocked to see there was only £3 instead of the expected £4,000.

Statements showed multiple transactions with gambling sites and the police were contacted about the matter.

The victim also realised that various items from her jewellery box were missing and she had last seen them some three months previously.

When police interviewed Mitchell, she broke down admitting that she had committed the crime. She told them she had a gambling addiction and it had destroyed her life.

Sheriff Alastair Brown explained the case also raised a serious question about whether Mitchell should work with vulnerable groups.

"I am told you will be repaying the money," he told Mitchell.

"I am facing a difficult decision and I will make that decision on the next occasion.

"This was a very serious breach of trust in relation to a vulnerable person who trusted you.

"And yet your family circumstances are distressing and your presence is important to your son.

"But please do not go away with the notion that I do not regard this as anything other than serious."

Mitchell will reappear on January 15.