A PARTIALLY blind man who was having trouble banking had over £33,000 fraudulently stolen by a trusted friend.

Adrian Watkiss, 42, had bought various items including laptops with the victims bank details over a two year period.

Watkiss, of Innisfield, Clehonger, pleaded guilty at Hereford Magistrates Court to eight counts of fraud between December 2012 and February 2015.

Amy Davies, prosecuting, said that the total amount stolen was £33,619.

"He first met the injured party in 2010 when they met through the defendant's partner," said Mrs Davies.

"They had lost contact with him for about 18 months before having a chance meeting with each other. The partially sighted man said he was finding it difficult to read bank statements.

"Initially the partner of Watkiss helped him before the defendant took over. The victim gave Watkiss all his bank details and PIN numbers."

In July 2014 the victim visited the bank and was alarmed to find he had very little money in there as he thought he had over £40,000.

Mrs Davies added: "He told the defendant who said that there must have been a fraud and should leave him to sort it out.

"He told the victim he had contacted Gloucester police and it was all in hand."

Watkiss had used the money to pay for rent, school bags for his son, groceries and three laptops.

"On interview Watkiss said he didn't know when he started taking money but he had financial difficulties and his partner liked very nice things.

"He knew what he was doing was wrong. Watkiss also took out a credit card in the injured parties name."

Emily Gourley, mitigating, said that Watkiss was a man of previously good character and had written a statement to police before the investigation was complete.

The case was adjourned to Worcester Crown Court next month for sentencing and Watkiss was released on unconditional bail.