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.