A CARE home worker who stole from vulnerable elderly residents was warned yesterday to prepare himself for a prison sentence.

Mark Swallow who worked at one of four homes in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, run by Northern Life Care, pleaded guilty at the town's magistrates court to two theft charges, involving a total of £150. The Crown dropped three more counts alleged to have involved more than £1,100.

Sue Kerr, prosecuting, said Swallow, 37, had worked at the home for six months last year. "He was entrusted with the banking and cash needs of some of the vulnerable in our society and he abused that position."

Mrs Kerr said that over a period of time Swallow, of Mount Street, Harrogate, had taken money from the accounts of two residents he was looking after. Both men had learning difficulties and one also had mobility problems.

The court heard Swallow had pocketed £120 from one man and £30 from another.

He had reported a resident's bank book as missing, requesting a replacement before using the original to make cash withdrawals from the account. On other occasions money was taken from benefits payments obtained on behalf of the residents.

Geoffrey Boothby, for Swallow, formerly of Yarrow Drive, Harrogate, said: "He admits stealing cash from two men but the prosecution can't prove anything to do with bank books."

Court chairman David Davies adjourned the hearing until July 8, and bailed Swallow, telling him there was particular concern that his actions had affected vulnerable people.

He ordered probation reports to be prepared and warned that all sentencing options, including prison, would be looked at.