A single mum employed to care for a disabled woman secretly used her bank card to fund an online spending spree.

Cheryl Volkaert, 33, whose 29-year-old victim Rachel Gower has since died, splashed out on clothes as she fraudulently used the Nat West card to buy clothes and a saucy book.

She was brought to justice after the victim's mother realised her missing bank card was used to shop online – something Miss Gower never did.

At the city's Magistrates' Court, Volkaert, of Rashdall Road, Morton, admitted five counts of fraud and one theft.

Prosecutor John Moran described how the defendant was one of a number of professional carers employed to work at home with Miss Gower, who suffered from a degenerative disease.

“She was receiving care on a daily basis,” said Mr Moran.

Tragically, Miss Gower died in April and her mother, who had power of attorney over her daughter, made enquiries with Nat West Bank after realising the bank card was missing. This revealed the card was used several times between April and July of last year.

Volkaert bought clothing and underwear from Pink Boutique, River Island, and Ann Summers, from where she also bought a book called How to Be A Naughty Girl in Bed.

Volkaert also used the card to withdraw £80 cash from a cashpoint.

Mr Moran said: “Miss Gower's mother said the victim didn't use the internet for shopping."

Police found some of the goods bought at Volkaert's home. Yet when interviewed by police she denied any wrongdoing.

The value of the goods fraudulently bought was around £400. Keith Thomas, for Volkaert, said: “She has had this hanging over her head since she was first interviewed by the police in October last year. It's been a source of great stress.”

He said the defendant, the sole carer for her 15-year-old daughter, lost her job because of what she did.

District Judge Gerald Chalk told her: "I'm concerned there has been a clear and gross breach of trust. This is a lady you were caring for and you abused the position you held.”

He imposed a 12 months community order, with 160 hours unpaid work, as well as £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.