A Cardigan man has been given a suspended sentence and ordered to repay money taken from his former partner’s back account.

Brandon James Utley, aged 40, of Flat 4, 6 Pendre, appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates for sentencing on Wednesday.

He pleaded guilty to nine charges of fraud by false representation amounting to £2,534.43, between August 28, 2013 and October 1, 2013, at an earlier hearing.

The court heard that Utley was in a relationship with MS sufferer Joanne Glover, who was confined to a wheelchair, and was her carer while they lived together. He moved out in 2012, but continued to visit her, and had access to her bank account.

The police were called after Miss Glover realised she was overdrawn.

The court heard that Utley claimed to have repaid more than the money he took, but there was no evidence it had been received by the victim.

Ruth Meyrick, defending, said: “He is extremely contrite and extremely remorseful. He had deep affection for this woman and was in a relationship with her.”

She added that he had been driven to commit the offence by a drug addiction which had now been addressed, and was ‘very keen to make amends’.

Ms Meyrick said Utley was under the impression he had transferred £3,000 into Miss Glover’s account, but the money could not be traced. He had also sent her a £1,000 cheque which she had not cashed.

She said: “As it stands my client is missing £3,000 that has disappeared into the ether somewhere.”

Magistrates imposed a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to pay £85 court costs and a £70 victim surcharge.

Utley was also ordered to repay Miss Glover £2,534.43.