AN AYRSHIRE home help has been struck off after she was caught stealing from three vulnerable elderly women in her care.

Ffyona Devan, 40, was jailed for 14 months last year at Ayr Sheriff Court for the offences which involved the theft of cash and jewellery over a lengthy period.

At the time Devan, from Mossblown, was registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a support worker.

Now following a disciplinary hearing by the SSSC earlier this month, she has been banned from working in the care industry.

Their published judgement said: "Social service workers must be truthful, open, honest and trustworthy and must not exploit service uses, abuse their trust or the access they have to their property or home.

"Your conviction demonstrates a serious disregard for the law and the rights and dignity of people using services.

"Your actions ran the risk of causing financial and emotional harm to your victims.

"They were an abuse of trust and are fundamentally incompatible with professional registration."

The SSSC recognised that Devan had shown remorse to them for her actions and apologised.

She had co-operated with the investigation and provided a full and detailed personal statement

There was also no previous history of misconduct.

However the organisation, which regulates care workers, said it was left with no option but to strike her off.

It added: "The SSSC considers a removal order is the most appropriate sanction as it is both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession."

Devan first appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court in February last year, when she was convicted of the offences. She was then jailed at the same court two months later.

Devan preyed on her three victims between October 2017 and October 2019 and stole hundreds of pounds and precious jewellery while employed as their carer.

She made several cash withdrawals from her first victim’s bank account

The 68-year-old woman had entrusted Devan with her bank card and pin number to get shopping for her.

Devan then stole a gold ring and a gold diamond cluster, with a total value of £300, from her second victim, aged 82.

Her third victim was an 88-year-old woman, who lived in sheltered housing and had restricted mobility

On this occasion she took £850 worth of jewellery, including an amethyst pin

Ayr Sheriff Court was told that the 88-year-old woman reacted badly to the theft.

She had been unable to sleep in the same bed and had since died.

The court was also told that Devan had a drug problem and had sold the stolen valuables online.

Devan's former employer, Constance Care Ltd of Kilmarnock, has been approached for comment.