A WOMAN who stole almost £3,500 from a pensioner has heard she could be jailed for her dishonesty.

Laura Elizabeth Brunskill, 23, of Lady Anne Drive, Brough, pleaded guilty to four theft charges at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today.

Between June 20 and December 12, 2017, she stole £2,540. She also accepted taking £350, £250 and £200 on dates in June, November and December of that year. Her victim was an 81-year-old from the Tebay area.

Judge James Adkin adjourned the case while a pre-sentence report is prepared. Brunskill is due to be sentenced on June 3 and was granted bail until then.

The judge said no decision had been made about the punishment but added: "People who steal from the vulnerable and elderly who they are supposed to be looking after frequently get sent to prison."