A WOMAN has been handed a two-year prison sentence for stealing nearly £35,000 from an elderly friend.

Jackie Cooper, aged 58, took the money from a Worcester woman, who was in her 80s, over a ten-year period.

Police said the victim's family were happy that the saga was finally over after Cooper was sentenced at Hereford Crown Court on Friday.

Cooper, of Linden Road, Worcester, took £34,400 from the woman's bank account and was only caught when the victim received a letter from her bank, in 2014, offering her an overdraft.

The victim's family then found out that there had been numerous unauthorised bank transactions and reported the matter to the police.

Detective Sergeant Lesley Fisher, the investigating officer, said: "I am pleased the family are at last able to move forwards, this has been a long and difficult road for them.

"I hope this investigation and sentence reflects how seriously West Mercia Police and the courts consider offences of this type being committed against some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

She previously said: "The minute I took this case on, I knew I would do everything I could to establish what had taken place and uncover evidence of offences.

"This could have been anyone's mother or elderly relative, and a result like this makes me very pleased for the family and proud - it is what we earn our money for."

Cooper was arrested in 2014 and charged in 2016.

The thief had known the victim for more than 20 years and had established a strong friendship with her.

She was even trusted with her house key and bank card - and the pair used to go to the shops and doctors together.

Cooper admitted stealing the money on December 3.