A SOUTHAMPTON care worker who stole money from the purse of a 92-year-old woman acted in a "shameful fashion", a judge has said.
Samantha Dingwall took £10 from the purse of her victim, while working as her professional carer.
The 33-year-old was found guilty of theft by a jury, following a trial at Southampton Crown Court this week.
Dingwall continues to deny the theft.
Mitigating, Mark Florida-James said Dingwall had since lost her job and expressed "shame" about the court proceedings.
Judge Nicholas Rowland sentenced Dingwall, of Windermere Avenue, Southampton, to a nine month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
He said: "You were caring for this woman, visiting her some times up to three times a day and had been for a number of months.
"You abused that relationship by stealing £10 from her purse.
"This is a serious matter. Not withstanding the £10 involved, the victim was very upset at what happened.
"These sorts of people, whatever their age, depend upon carers coming into their home to look after them.
Judge Rowland added: "You stole from her in a shameful fashion."
Dingwall was also ordered to complete up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement with the probation service.
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