A CARER caught on hidden cameras stealing from an elderly man has walked free from court.

Footage showed Jessie Dowson stuffing cash into her bra - but she still tried to deny it.

Teesside Crown Court heard how she put on her uniform to persuade the 76-year-old to let her into his home in Hartlepool.

Dowson, 58, from Easington Colliery, County Durham, had looked after the man in the past.

But in 2012, she was seen accompanying him to a bank to withdraw money - in breach of company policy.

Prosecutor Philip Morley said Dowson was suspended, and later banned from working with the victim.

“In 2014, he complained of money going missing from his house," Mr Morley told Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC.

“Careline, the care company, arranged for covert cameras to be installed.

“On the footage, Dowson can clearly be seen picking up some money and tucking it into her bra.

“Footage taken the following month shows her paying a second unauthorised visit to the house, although it does not show her taking any money.”

The court heard that when Dowson was arrested and shown the camera footage, she denied it was her.

Dowson, of Campbell Street, Easington Colliery, later admitted burglary and the attempted theft of £493 in May and June of 2014.

She had no previous convictions.

Paul Cleasby, mitigating, said: “Mrs Dowson did initially deny the offence, but only because she could not recognise a person who would do this as herself.

“She is married with children and grandchildren, and is deeply ashamed for herself and the shame she has brought upon her family.

“Mrs Dowson suffers from physical and mental health problems.

“Her husband still works as a wagon driver, and she is anxious to make what amends she can by paying compensation.”

Judge Bourne-Arton, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, imposed a 13-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision, and ordered her to pay £493 compensation.

He told Dowson: “This was a mean and despicable offence.

“You used your position as a carer to gain entry to the house, and no doubt hoped any complaints by the victim would not be believed because of his declining mental health.

“I am just persuaded not to lock you up immediately, but you and your family will have to live with the shame of what you did for the rest of your lives.”