A CARER has admitted defrauding thousands of pounds from elderly women by forging cheques.

Dawn Riddell, 58, admitted three counts of fraud at Bournemouth Crown Court, in which she presented three separate cheques for £2,000 to her bank claiming they were genuine.

The cheques were made out in the names of three elderly women - one 92 years old - two of whom suffered from dementia, for whom Riddell was a carer.

The offences took place in Bournemouth between November 14 last year and March 26 this year.

Prosecutor Ellie Fargin said: “It is obviously a breach of a position of trust, but it is clear the defendant was not acting as a financial advisor to the victims.

“If this were a case of theft, that would refer to the theft of the cheques themselves. Fraud was the most suitable way to identify the crime.”

The court heard that Riddell, of Perth Close, Christchurch, was of previous good character and understood the seriousness of the charges.

Judge Peter Johnson adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

“You have pleaded guilty to three very serious matters, I am warning you that there may be a custodial sentence,” he said.

Riddell was released on conditional bail to return to court for sentencing on September 5.