A CARER who fleeced a man out of thousands of pounds has been warned she could be facing a jail term.

Grandma Jill Lewis pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud when she appeared before a judge at Swindon Crown Court.

The 50-year-old, of Willows Avenue, Pinehurst, denied a fourth count of fraud and another of theft.

She admitted abusing her position as a carer to make unauthorised withdrawals from her victim's account between the start of July 2015 and the end of March last year.

Between October 18, 2015 and March 31, 2016, she made an unauthorised credit card and catalogue application in his name.

And between November 8, 2015, and the end of March last year she made a number of pay at the pump purchases used his debit card.

She denied accessing his ISA between December 7, 2015, and January 26, 2016, and stealing a cheque to the value of £2,500 in August 2015.

Tessa Hingston, prosecuting, said Lewis suggested the cheque had been a gift and was being prosecuted on the basis that from a vulnerable person that could constitute theft.

She said that the pleas to the three counts, which total less than £10,000, would be acceptable and ask for the other matters to lie on file at sentence.

Peter Binder, defending, said "She has been on bail. She is of previous good character.

"She has a teenage son and is guardian of her six-year-old granddaughter. Her own daughter has serious health issues and is unable to look after the granddaughter."

He said that on the face of it the case 'clearly passes the custody threshold', and asked for the probation service to compile a presentence report.

Judge Tim Mousley QC adjourned the case to Friday January 5 and released her on bail until then.

He said "The reason for the adjournment is for a presentence report which will deal with all sentencing options. The custody threshold has clearly been passed in this case."