A disabled woman is warning others to be wary after her trusted carer stole thousands of pounds worth of precious jewellery.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Jacquie Ball was 'heartbroken' when she discovered that Sarah George, who she had handpicked to be her first carer, had systematically stolen almost £3,000 of jewellery from her home in Bradwell and sold it on, never to be seen again.

George, 34, of High Street, Gorleston, pleaded guilty to theft when she appeared at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court on September 23.

She was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, after the bench described her crime as 'a serious breach of trust involving the theft of jewellery of great sentimental value'.

Speaking this week, Mrs Ball said she had trusted George 'completely'.

'This was a woman who washed and dressed me,' said the 55-year-old.

'She was as nice as pie, like she wouldn't have said boo to a goose.

'I chose Sarah because I liked her the most. I am heartbroken.

'She has taken all my memories and I will never get them back.'

George worked for Mrs Ball from March to May this year, and Mrs Ball is 'kicking herself' that she did not check George's credentials before letting her into her home.

She urged others to seek references and ask to see qualifications if they are in a similar situation.

She said treasured items that went missing included an engagement ring, a wedding ring, a charm bracelet and more than £600 worth of earrings.

While Mrs Ball was less than satisfied with the sentence George received, she takes some comfort that earlier this year she had given two of the most precious pieces of jewellery, including her late mother's wedding ring, to her own daughter, Cherrie, who lives in Bradford.

'I want to make people aware,' added Mrs Ball. 'It shouldn't happen to anyone.'