A pensioner with dementia was tricked into a friendship with a man who stole from him in a "malicious and calculated" plan.

Lenny Bridges, of Tardbigge in Worcester, went to the home of the 81-year-old man and offered gardening services throughout August last year.

The 28-year-old used the friendship they struck up to get into the elderly man’s finances.

He got hold of the his PIN and used his debit card to take out money in Kingston.

At Kingston Crown Court on January 6, he was convicted of seven counts of fraud. He was sentenced to six months in prison, which have been served due to time spent in custody.

Detective inspector Adam Guttridge from Kingston police said: "This is a malicious and calculated offence against a very vulnerable elderly gentleman suffering from dementia.

"Unfortunately these types of offences are not uncommon and the families of those suffering from such illnesses should seek advice as to the best way to protect their loved ones and their finances."

George McNamara, head of policy and public affairs at Alzheimer’s Society, said: "It is deeply worrying that people with dementia are targeted by unscrupulous individuals.

“People with dementia, like everyone else, deserve to be protected and it’s vital that we ensure sufficient safeguards are in place so they are not disgracefully exploited as a result of their condition.

"Families who suspect that a vulnerable loved one is the victim of this type of crime should look out for the key signs.

"These include unexplained or sudden withdrawals of money from bank accounts and the sudden or unexplained inability to pay bills."

For more information call the Alzheimer’s Society Kingston office on 020 3513 5147, or visit alzheimers.org.uk.

Bridges is still in custody and is waiting to be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on February 17, for an offence of dangerous driving.