A FORMER driving instructor from west Cumbria stole £20,000 from his elderly mother after she was moved into a care home.

Alistair Grant, 63, took over the pensioner's finances in 2018 following the death of his father, who died two years after Mrs Grant went into the home, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

But unbeknown to his siblings, Grant began using his mother's bank account as his own.

The defendant, of West View, Waberthwiate, Millom, admitted theft.

Charles Brown, prosecuting, said the defendant began managing Mrs Grant's finances with the agreement of his siblings - but they had no idea that he was dipping into her account to buy things for himself.

Between September 2018 and September of last year, he took £20,553.

"He used the money in that account - significant sums - as his own," said Mr Brown.

"He also used her bank card to purchase items for himself."

The theft was discovered after Grant's brother commented that their mother's money would be building up, prompting the defendant to claim it was "dwindling" because of hairdressing and chiropody fees.

"It came to light that hairdressing and chiropody were included in her care fees," said Mr Brown.

Concerned, Grant's siblings contacted the police.

Shortly before they confronted him, he persuaded his adult children to lend him money to top up his mother's account, putting £15,000 into it.

He planned to later return their money.

Judith McCullough, defending, said the defendant - who had old offences on his record - had lived a law-abiding life

"He's been a driving instructor, taught in adult education; he's been a school governor and in later years supported his father through his final illness," said the barrister.

"He's deeply ashamed."

Grant also suffered MS, and depression.

Judge Andrew Jefferies QC said Grant what happened was a "huge breach of trust."

"It's hard to think of a meaner offence," said the judge.

Noting Grant's shame, the judge suspended the 16-month jail term he imposed for two years.

As part of his sentence, Grant must complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity and observe a two-month 7pm to 7am curfew.