The deputy manager of a care home who stole £1,750 from a vulnerable resident has avoided jail.

Nicola Wells withdrew money from the bank account of a 78-year-old woman over seven months at Brooklyn House, in Nelson Road, Clacton, where residents include dementia sufferers.

She was sacked when her bosses found out.

Wells, 46, of Elmden Court, Clacton, admitted theft at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday, and was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence.

She was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Robin Orbell, chairman of the bench, said: "You are very lucky not to be going to prison immediately."

Full story in today's Daily Gazette