A FRAUDSTER has been told to prepare herself for a prison sentence after admitting to stealing more than £6,000 from a vulnerable man.

Sarah Main used the man’s bank cards to buy goods and services for herself, and for cash withdrawals, over a four month period in 2016.

She admitted two counts of fraud by abuse of position at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday, on the day a trial into her crimes was due to begin.

The 44-year-old was originally charged with defrauding the man out of £13,800.

Main, of Seaview Terrace, St Osyth, lodged a basis of plea which stated some of the transactions which had been made had been genuine as she was supposed to be looking after the man during the time of the frauds.

The court heard she had spent £3,284.78 on goods and services using the victim’s account, while she had withdrawn £2,866.86 in cash including charges from ATMs.

The basis of plea was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service who said they were taking a pragmatic view in order to save the vulnerable victim from the stress of having to give evidence at a trial.

Main has no previous convictions but has been cautioned twice, the court heard.

Sentencing has been adjourned for four weeks so the probation service can prepare a pre-sentence report which will include details of her own medical conditions.

She was warned the report will be prepared on all options basis meaning immediate custody could be enforced.

Addressing Main, Judge Emma Peters offered a stark warning that she may go to prison.

She said: “I need to be quite clear these are serious matters to which you have pleaded guilty.

“These, in my opinion, do cross the custody threshold and it is possible you may go to prison.

“You should prepare yourself for that distinct possibility.

“It is right I know as much as I possibly can about you before making that decision which

is why I have ordered the report.”

Main was given unconditional bail.

She will be sentenced in mid-August.

During the hearing the prosecution plans to set out a confiscation order plan in a bid to get cash which was taken from the victim back to him.