A CRUEL carer who robbed a frail pensioner she was supposed to be looking after has dodged a prison sentence.

Heartless Mary Kelly, 32, admitted stealing over £1,200 from the vulnerable 80-year-old between May and August last year at her home in High Road, Saltcoats.

She was only caught after a secret camera nabbed Kelly stuffing wads of cash into her pockets.

The elderly woman’s family previously revealed Kelly’s heinous thefts caused her health to decline and called for a jail sentence.

Irvine Times:

(Pictures: Crown Office)

Kelly, of Kirkland Terrace, Springside, previously pleaded guilty to the theft at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court and returned to court last week for sentencing.

Defence solicitor David Simpson revealed Kelly, who was sacked by North Ayrshire Council following the charges coming to light, brought £100 with her to court in a bid to start paying back the money.

Mr Simpson said Kelly was “disgusted” by her actions and realised she put herself at risk of a jail term.

Irvine Times:

But presiding Sheriff Shirley Foran was persuaded to take a step back from a custodial sentence.

She said: “I imagine it’s been made crystal clear to you that prison was the first thought in my mind here.

“Quite a despicable offence given the age and disability of the woman from whom you stole.

“I expect you to compensate this lady.”

Kelly was ordered to pay back £1,290 to the woman as well as being sentenced to 12 months supervision, handed a tagging order and ordered to perform 250 hours of unpaid work.

Sheriff Foran added: “This is an alternative to custody. If any part of these orders are breached then that will be my sentence.”

Speaking after the sentence, Ruth McQuaid, Procurator Fiscal Summary West of Scotland, said: “Mary Kelly was in a position of trust and cold heartedly stole from the very people who relied on her for support and assistance.

“Thankfully instances such as this are very rare as the vast the majority of people in this profession are honest, caring individuals who provide a vital service.

“We would like to assure the elderly, disabled people, their families, friends and the public in general that every effort will be made to bring those who commit such crimes to justice and to face the consequences of their actions.”