A West Hallam man stole more than £10,000 from an 86-year-old woman so he could buy a new house, a court has heard.
David Ottewell, of St Wilfred's Road, stole £6,300 from a Post Office account belonging to Emily Marsden in June 2008, Derby Crown Court was told on Thursday.
The 54-year-old, who admitted theft, also cashed in £4,000 in premium bonds belonging to
the elderly woman because he was facing financial difficulties and was trying to buy a new house, the court heard.
Ottewell had first met the housebound pensioner through his wife, Judy Ottewell, who had been assigned to care for her as an employee of Derby Homes.
But when Mrs Ottewell left the employment of Derby Homes, the couple remained friends with Mrs Marsden for the following six years and were named as beneficiaries in her will, the court heard.
Lawyers told the court that Ottewell had carried out DIY jobs for Mrs Marsden and helped her with her shopping, but also managed to become the recognised agent on her Post Office account, allowing him to access her pension.
But he removed the £6,300 in cash and transferred the premium bonds into his own name and was arrested after Social Services realised the money was missing, the court heard.
Defending, Nigel Shelley said: "He was going through financial difficulties and he and his wife were in the process of buying a new house when the offence occurred.
"The relationship between the defendant and the injured party had been going on for some six years and can only be described as honourable and trustworthy until this time.
"He did her shopping and DIY for her and they supported her in many ways. It was Mrs Marsden who decided that they should become beneficiaries of her will, but temptation got the better of him and he took advantage.
"But it was money that he was due to inherit and he had intended to pay it back into the account at a later date."
Ottewell had given his solicitors cheques to the value of £10,300 to be paid back to Mrs Marsden via the court, Mr Shelley added.
Judge David Price adjourned the case for two weeks to establish whether the cheques were going to clear, but warned Ottewell that he may still face a custodial sentence.
