A CARER was caught stealing from his 94-year-old client after a family member installed a security camera in her room, magistrates heard.

Benjamin Archer, 37, was working at the Rose Garden residential home, in Hereford, when he was caught stealing cash from vulnerable resident Eileen Jones.

Archer of Stoke Edith, Hereford, pleaded guilty at Hereford Magistrates Court last week to five counts of theft.

Sara Beddows, prosecuting, said that Archer had been a member of care staff at the home for nine years.

"Mrs Jones was classed as a vulnerable adult due to her age and mobility," said Ms Beddows.

"She had signed over power of attorney to her niece who was in control of her finances. Her niece visited regularly and withdraws money to give to Mrs Jones to use.

She would give Mrs Jones £250 a month and placed it within her purse, within her make-up bag or within her sitting room."

In March her niece became concerned about the amount of money going from her possession, as a result of which she set up a camera in the room to document any issues.

Archer was captured stealing notes on five occasions from her make-up bag between July 5 and July 13 totalling between £70 and £90, the exact amount was unknown.

"On interview Archer initially denied the offences but CCTV footage was played to him and he confirmed it was him and that he was stealing," added Ms Beddows.

"He accepted Mrs Jones was vulnerable and that he was abusing his position as a carer by stealing from her."

Dan Barratt, probation officer, said that Archer took full responsibility for the offence and didn't try to excuse his actions.

"At the time he was going through stress with his relationship and job pressure," said Mr Barratt.

"His ex-partner put pressure on him to bring home more money than he was earning at the time.

"He has lost his job since the offence, he is a working man but can't work in the care industry again. His mental health has deteriorated since the offence and he has been punishing himself.

"He is getting counselling and trying to get help for himself. I really don't think this is going to happen again, he has made a massive mistake and taken responsibility for that mistake."

Chair of magistrates Neil Pascoe, believed that the matter was so serious that it had passed the custody threshold.

However, due to Archer's previous good character and remorse shown he handed him a 12 weeks prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

Archer was also ordered complete 200 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £185 costs, £90 compensation and a £115 victim surcharge.