A CARER stole from the vulnerable people he was supposed to be looking after, a judge heard yesterday (Friday July 12).

Jason Lee Walters, aged 35, forged log books to conceal his thefts.

Walters, of Brynheulwen, Blaenannerch, admitted stealing £700 from one resident of Caeronnen, Llangrannog, between Aberporth and New Quay, and £170 from another.

Helen Randall, prosecuting, told Swansea crown court that Walters was allowed to withdraw money from residents' bank accounts for their own use.

Walters was supposed to enter the correct amounts in log books.

Another member of staff became suspicious and an investigation showed he had withdrawn more money than the amounts he had logged.

Walters cheated the first victim five times.

A further investigation revealed he had also targeted a second victim.

Tom Scapens, the barrister representing Walters, said that after his arrest he described his offending as evil and despicable.

He said Walters had got into financial difficulties. He had wanted to repay the money but could not think of a way of doing it.

"He accepts this represents a breach of a high degree of trust," added Mr Scapens.

Judge Keith Thomas told Walters he had taken advantage of vulnerable people.

"These offences were mean and unpleasant," he added.

Walters was jailed for eight months, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to repay the £870 at the rate of £100 a month plus a court surcharge of £140.