A carer drained an elderly relative’s bank accounts of £105,000 in a bid to “secure her inheritance” rather than losing the cash on care bills.

Sheila Boon, of Locke King Close, Weybridge, splashed the pensioner’s cash on travelling and buying property, while her frail victim lived in a care home in Bournemouth unaware of her crime.

She also tried to buy a new car with the money while claiming her relative could not afford to pay for her own care and would need council help to foot the bill.

This week a judge at Bournemouth Crown Court sentenced the 55-year-old to 18 months in jail after she was found guilty of fraud by abuse of position following a three-week trial.

Detective Sergeant Paul Smith, from the safeguarding referral unit at Dorset Police, said: “The charge followed a very protracted and difficult investigation, due predominantly to the fact that we were unable to interview the victim, because of her age and frailties.

“It was clear to the investigators that the defendant took the decision to secure her inheritance and invested her relative’s money without her consent before it was all spent on care fees, leaving local taxpayers to foot the bill for her relative’s care.

“All agencies involved are committed to safeguarding all adults at risk of abuse who are some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

“We take any allegations of abuse very seriously and will take appropriate action to ensure that people are not at undue risk of harm whatever age or frailty.”

Boon, who has a treatment and consulting room listed under an online private healthcare clinic directory, plundered thousands by transferring life savings from her relative’s bank account into her own.

She also took a cut from the sale of her victim’s house.

The fraud was investigated by Dorset Police and Bournemouth’s social services department through its multi-agency adult safeguarding procedures.

Sue Zirps, chief executive officer of Age UK Surrey, said: “Although we do not comment on individual cases, any abuse of older people is unacceptable, whether the abuse is neglect, financial manipulation or physical or mental cruelty.

“Our concern is that there are still many cases that are not reported and we would encourage anyone who suspects that an older person is being abused to contact their local authority or the police straight away.

“Older people and their family and friends can also contact Age UK Surrey for free advice on 01483 446627.”