A MAN who befriended a sick pensioner and became his live-in carer stole �1,000 from his bank account, a court heard.

Mark Lethbridge, 45, met the 73 year old pensioner in a pub in Great Yarmouth and then moved in to his home in Bath Hill to become a live-in carer for him, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Ben Brighouse, prosecuting, said the thefts were discovered after the victim's daughter checked her father's bank account and found the money was missing.

When tackled about the theft Mr Brighouse said Lethbridge made a full confession.

The court heard the victim had since died and the judge said that he had died knowing that he had been badly let down by Lethbridge.

Lethbridge, of Winifred Road, Bedford, admitted the theft of �1,000 and also stealing �120 from the till of the Colonel pub in Nelson Road, Great Yarmouth which is where he had been staying.

Michael Clare, for Lethbridge, said: 'He does not need anyone to tell him that it was a mean thing to do.'

He said Lethbridge was of previous good character and had spent time remanded in custody, which was the first time he had been in prison. He said his client had a number of health problems and the �59, which was what was found on him when arrested, had been returned to the pub.

Jailing him for six months, Recorder Alexander Milne told Lethbridge it had been a 'mean theft' and said the victim had died knowing he had been badly let down by him.

'It was a breach of trust,' he added.