A carer who stole thousands from his victim while she was ill in hospital - and on the day she died - has been jailed for a year and seven months.

David Baker, of Roseholme in Maidstone, targeted an elderly woman and withdrew cash from her bank account.

He also stole almost £4,000 from the woman’s elderly brother who lived with her.

Baker, 56, was a neighbour of the victim and had been friends with her and her late husband before he became her registered carer.

He had previously helped with household chores and odd-jobs.

"To steal from an elderly and vulnerable woman is cruel and heartless..." - Det Con Darren Smitherman

Following her death in June 2013 it was discovered that a total of £10,990 had been withdrawn from two of her bank accounts and £3,700 from her brother’s.

Baker was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday having previously pleaded guilty to theft.

Detective Constable Darren Smitherman said: "To steal from an elderly and vulnerable woman is cruel and heartless.

"To do so when that person counts you as a friend and carer is the ultimate betrayal of trust.

"David Baker’s victim died believing him to be a good man, when in reality he was draining her bank accounts of almost every penny to her name.

"He abused the trust that was placed in him, not only by his victim but the rest of her family and warrants the time he will now spend in prison for his actions."