A woman who stole more than a quarter of a million pounds from an elderly neighbour could be facing a jail sentence.

Helen Pavitt preyed on the pensioner and spirited away her £256,863 life savings in just three months.

The vulnerable victim, who is in her 80s, was said to have trusted Pavitt as a friend.

The 51-year-old, of Chestfield Close, Rainham, admitted three theft offences between May 3 and August 1 2017.

Maidstone Crown Court heard on Monday the money was taken in three amounts of £126,224, £62,617 and £68,022.

Pavitt entered the pleas shortly before she was due to stand trial on a fraud charge. The prosecution then offered no evidence to the charge.

Adjourning sentence for reports, Recorder Edmund Burge warned Pavitt that prison was a possibility.

"You will appreciate that you have pleaded guilty to three very serious offences," he told her.

"Theft of over a quarter of a million pounds belonging to a very elderly and vulnerable woman who considered you to be her friend - that involves a breach of trust."

She was granted bail with a condition of residence.

Also in the dock was her husband Mark Pavitt, 50, whose not guilty pleas to three theft charges were accepted by the prosecution.