A HIGHLY trusted charity worker stole almost £3,000 from three vulnerable men.

Sharon Hesketh, 59, plundered the trio's accounts using cards and PINs kept in an office within their accommodation in Penrith.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Hesketh was a senior support worker for town-based Eden Mencap Society, which looked after the men. One had Down's Syndrome and the other two learning difficulties. "They are all incapable of accessing and managing their own affairs," said prosecutor Charles Brown.

An investigation found £2,735.79 was taken from them during late 2017 and early 2018. ATM withdrawals occurred while two were in day services and could not have taken out money.

"The defendant had been identified once the discrepancies were found in the service users' accounts as being the only member of staff on duty when all of the sums were taken," said Mr Brown.

Hesketh admitted fraud by abuse of position. Her three victims were reimbursed by the charity.

Kim Whittlestone, defending, told how Hesketh - now employed by Westmorland Services - had "racked up significant debts".

"She felt absolutely at the end of her tether. She acted in a way that was out of character," said Miss Whittlestone. "This is a lady who is deeply ashamed of her conduct."

The barrister added: "She will do what she can to repay. It is a mountain she has to climb as far as her debts are concerned."

Hesketh, of Victoria Corner, Kirkby Stephen, had a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years. Judge Peter Davies concluded: "It seems to me there is no public interest in having you living a life for the next few months at public expense."

Hesketh must also complete rehabilitation, and received a compensation order.

"You pleaded guilty to three serious offences of fraud," said Judge Davies. "It must be apparent to you why they are serious. You were trusted - highly trusted.

"It is not the amount. It is your position in relation to these people and how much that money meant to them both as individuals and as a charity.

"It is not Barclays Bank. It is not Roman Abramovich. They don't have much money."

The judge added: "It's a theft and there's no other way to put it."