A carer has admitted stealing a large amount of cash from a vulnerable person she was looking after.

Cara Wicks was charged with fraud by abuse of position of trust after money went missing while she was caring for a Maidstone man.

The 34-year-old, who is also known as Cara Tritton, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on December 3 where she pleaded guilty.

Deputy District Judge Claire Furlong heard the cash was discovered missing from Anthony Moll’s account after a series of withdrawals were made while Wicks was his lead carer. Mr Moll has since passed away.

The judge was told the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had charged Wicks on the basis that £5,000 was missing from the account and had been stolen between August 9, 2021, and October 1, 2021.

However, Wicks, of Felderland Drive, Maidstone, entered her guilty plea on the basis she only stole £1,020.

John Roberts, defending, requested a Newton hearing be held to determine how much money had actually been taken.

The purpose of such hearings is to resolve factual differences between the defence and prosecution so the court can determine an appropriate sentence.

Mr Roberts said: “She admits to five £200 withdrawals and the purchase of a £20 coat.

“It is a category A crime, it’s an abuse of trust. She’s 34 and has no previous convictions.”

Judge Furlong agreed to the Newton hearing, which will be held at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on January 14 - Wicks will be sentenced afterwards.

She was granted bail until then with the judge asking prosecutor Debbie Jones to task the CPS to review the case to understand the difference in the figures.