A callous mother-of-three offered help to a vulnerable disabled woman at her home and then stole her purse to get money for drugs, a court heard.

Brenda Rossiter, 27, took about £140 from the victim’s purse and then used her bank cards to make withdrawals.

She was jailed for 12 months after admitting theft and six offences of fraud.

Three months of a previous suspended sentence was activated, making a total sentence of 15 months.

Using the name Sarah Evans, she visited the wheelchair-bound 65-year-old woman at her house in Pine Grove, Edenbridge, on February 9 this year and said she would do some work for her, including gardening.

Rossiter, of Princess Anne Road, Broadstairs, did so over the next few days but then returned with a “sob story” that she did not have any money for gas and electricity.

The woman felt sorry for Rossiter and gave her £20.

She returned again and said she had left her phone behind.

“This was a blatant ruse in order to steal the purse,” prosecutor Christina Rowberry told Maidstone Crown Court.

"Her vulnerability would have been known to the defendant. As such, she was an easy target..." Prosecutor Christina Rowberry

The victim did not realise it had gone until a relative went to see her. The police were then called.

Miss Rowberry said 19 transactions were attempted on the cards. Nine were declined and only six could be positively linked to Rossiter. A total of just over £1,000 was taken.

When officers went to Rossiter’s home they found her hiding under a mound of clothes in a bedroom.

When interviewed, she was obstructive and difficult.

She said the reason she gave a false name was that the victim had previously been fleeced by relatives of hers.

“It is clear if she gave her real name she would not have been let anywhere near the house,” said Miss Rowberry. “Her vulnerability would have been known to the defendant. As such, she was an easy target.

“She details the impact this has had on her. She has become more frail and is reluctant to leave her home. The banks have compensated her for the financial loss.”

Recorder Matthew Nicklin QC told Rossiter, who was addicted to crack cocaine and heroin: “There is no doubt that crimes like this are despicable in terms of the harm they cause.”