Greed took over heavy-drinker Peter Abby when he latched on to a wealthy elderly man in ill health.
In just over two years Abby fleeced more than £19,000 out of the man's various bank and building society accounts.
Most of the money went on booze. Sometimes Abby was spending £100-a-week on drink, Basildon Crown Court heard.
Abby, of Brook Drive, Wickford, admitted five theft charges, two of obtaining property by deception and asked for 78 other similar offences to be considered. Abby, 47, befriended Norman Winterbourne who had poor eye sight and could not read or write.
Abby, a metal polisher, was put on 18 months probation and must work 80 hours community service.
He must also pay £7,000 in compensation over the next three years. The judge explained it would be unrealistic to pay back as much as the missing £19,000.
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