A CARER has admitted defrauding a 90-year-old woman in a retirement home of more than £17,000.

Claire James admitted 20 allegations of fraud by abuse of position and asked for a further 37 matters to be taken into account when she appeared before magistrates in Worcester.

James, 24, of Cleeve Road, Middle Littleton, Evesham, defrauded the elderly woman of £17,404.

Sarah Stock, prosecuting, said: “I would suggest your powers of sentence are not adequate.

"The fraud was undertaken by this defendant who was employed as a care assistant in a retirement home, the victim was an elderly lady aged 90. It was a breach of trust.”

Sam Lamsdale, defending, made no statement in mitigation during the hearing.

The case was adjourned until Friday, September 5 at Worcester Crown Court after magistrates declined jurisdiction for the case.

The defendant’s bail conditions are not to contact employees or service users at the retirement home.