A WOMAN who preyed on a vulnerable man and stole his possessions has been jailed for four years.

Charlene Carey took advantage of the man, who has dementia, and tricked her way into his property on several occasions over the course of a week.

While there, she stole a number of items, including cash, a bank card, a digital camera, lenses and tripod.

A police investigation led to the 33-year-old of Brougham Street, Darlington, being charged with burglary and theft.

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Carey pleaded guilty to the offences at Teesside Crown Court, and will be jailed for four years.

Detective Sergeant Liam Robertson, from Darlington Volume Crime Team, said: “The defendant in this case has taken advantage of the victim’s vulnerability to ingratiate herself into his life under the guise of needing help and support.

“She has betrayed his trust and taken his property which is clearly unacceptable and cannot go unpunished.

“The officers of the volume crime team worked determinedly to secure this custodial sentence which I hope goes someway to protect further vulnerable people from harm and I am proud of the result achieved.”

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