A trusted carer stole sentimental jewellery from two vulnerable victims - including a treasured engagement ring bought more than 60 years ago, a court heard.

Hannah Manning, 28, worked as a carer visiting homes of the elderly and abused her position of trust to steal the items, many of which held special memories for the victims.

Martin Ivory, prosecuting at Norwich Crown Court, said that one jewellery item stolen by Manning was an engagement ring bought for about £40 or £50 for the victim in 1947 and she also stole jewellery including a £2,500 ring from another wheelchair-bound woman, who has since died.

Mr Ivory said: 'A number of the items were quite expensive and of sentimental significance.'

He said the thefts were discovered after police were called in to investigate by the care company which employed Manning, following reports of valuable items going missing.

Mr Ivory said investigations led to Manning, who when interviewed admitted the thefts.

He said that only one ring was recovered by police.

Manning, of The Street, Earsham, near Bungay, who was sobbing in the dock, admitted stealing items of jewellery between May 1 and May 20 last year, and theft of jewellery on May 6 last year.

Manning also pleaded guilty to the theft of a Samsung Galaxy tablet between May 1 and July 13 last year.

She also admitted fraud, as she pawned the jewellery in Beccles on May 17 last year, falsely claiming the items were hers to sell.

Jailing her for six months, Judge Katharine Moore said Manning was a trusted carer who stole items from elderly people in her care.

She said the jewellery was of 'substantial' sentimental value and said: 'This is a breach of a high degree of trust.'

Danielle O'Donovan, for Manning, said she had a difficult childhood and had mental health difficulties.

She was also the main carer for her mother.

'She is deeply ashamed and saddened by her behaviour. She simply cannot explain it.'

Ms O'Donovan said that Manning did have debt problems and suffered from depression and anxiety.

She said Manning was not able to explain why she committed the offences.