A Bromham carer who pocketed hundreds of pounds from a multiple sclerosis sufferer she was looking after, has been told she won't face a prison term.

Ellen Townsend stole two cheques from the woman for whom she was caring and then cashed them for £300 and £250.

The 26-year-old had originally denied the offences which took place between January 1 and July 10 last year.

But on the morning of her trial at Swindon Crown Court she changed her plea and admitted taking the cheques and money.

Judge John McNaught told her that the offences were not serious enough for him to consider a prison term.

Townsend took the two Lloyds TSB cheques from MS sufferer Lindsey Anderson before using them to get £550.

She was charged with theft and two counts of deception and pleaded not guilty before magistrates in Trowbridge in January this year.

After electing trial by jury she again denied the offences before a judge at Swindon Crown Court in May and the case was adjourned for a trial.

But on Monday, Townsend, of Coope Hill, Bromham, pleaded guilty to one charge of theft and two of obtaining a money transfer by deception.

Paul Orton, defending, said "From the outset this was a not guilty plea. Whilst I was on holiday, in fact I was off sick, I was informed it would now be a guilty plea.

"I have taken the details of this. I think what happened is she was frightened, she was on anti-depressants and she couldn't face the reality of what she had done.

"I think she had spoken to family and friends and she now fully accepts the prosecution case against her."

He asked the judge to give her credit for the fact that she had pleaded guilty and not forced the victim, to come to court and give evidence.

At an earlier hearing the court was told that the prospect of having to attend court had caused the victim great distress.

Judge McNaught said that while she would receive some credit for her plea it would not be as much as if she had admitted the offence from the start.

Releasing her on unconditional bail he said "I don't have in mind a prison sentence but it might be what we used to call a community service order or probation order."

Townsend returns to Swindon Crown Court for sentencing on August 29.