A support worker who stole more than £6,000 from a vulnerable man with learning difficulties has escaped jail.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday how Mandy Leach, 35, was employed by the Horton Housing Association, a Bradford-based charitable group, to help Jason Naylor, 32, for two years between 2007 and 2008.

But on three separate occasions Leach conned Mr Naylor, who lived independently but required help with his financial affairs, into transferring a total of £6,200 into her account.

Prosecutor Dave MacKay told the court £3,000 was transferred in December 2007, with a further £1,500 transferred in March 2008 and £1,700 in May 2008.

Leach, who was of previous good character, was warned last month she could face a prison sentence after she pleaded guilty to three counts of theft.

Judge John Potter yesterday sentenced Leach to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, with a 12-month supervision order and 250 hours of unpaid work.

Leach, of Upperbrow Road, Paddock, Huddersfield, was told by Judge Potter that good character references, her previous good character, her guilty plea and issues raised in the pre-sentence report presented mitigating circumstances.

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