A SENIOR care worker stole between £12,000 and £15,000 from people with mental disabilities in a "gross breach of trust", York Crown Court heard.

Beth Wallace admitted setting up internet banking for the accounts of five people for whom she was a care supervisor when working for Mencap in York.

She pleaded guilty to five charges of fraud in abuse of position by transferring money from the victims’ bank accounts to her own between September 16, 2016, and December 20, 2016.

The prosecution claims she may have taken £15,340. She claims she took £12,000.

Wallace, 55, who gave her address at an earlier hearing as a retirement complex on Melton Road, Waltham on the Wolds, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, will be sentenced on April 12,

She was released on bail while probation officers prepare a report on her and the exact amount she took is confirmed.

The Honorary Recorder of York, Judge Paul Batty QC, told her: “I am afraid the case represents a gross breach of trust by you.

“You must understand you may well face a custodial sentence.”

He said the victims of the fraud were among the most vulnerable people in society.

Chloe Fairley, for the prosecution, said according to national sentencing guidelines, Wallace should receive a prison sentence of between 18 months to four years.

For Wallace, Catherine Duffy said she wanted to repay all the money she had taken.

The former care supervisor had withdrawn £12,000 from her pension fund, in which there was still a “little left” should the actual amount stolen prove to be more.

Miss Duffy said Wallace was suffering from an emotional personality disorder and other mental health issues and had been under the care of a mental health team including a consultant “for some time”.

The judge said: “I dare say. Some may say that is because she has been found out.”

The defence told the court they wanted to get a psychiatrist’s report on her.