A KESGRAVE woman used a vulnerable pensioner's bank account as her personal cash point and stole more than £1,000 from her, a court has been told.Belinda Macinally, who lived near the 79-year-old women in Kesgrave later told police that the frail pensioner had felt sorry for her and had given her the money, it was alleged at Ipswich Crown Court.

A KESGRAVE woman used a vulnerable pensioner's bank account as her personal cash point and stole more than £1,000 from her, a court has been told.

Belinda Macinally, who lived near the 79-year-old women in Kesgrave later told police that the frail pensioner had felt sorry for her and had given her the money, it was alleged at Ipswich Crown Court.

Macinally, 47, of Glanville Place, Kesgrave has denied four charges of theft.

Stephen Franklin, prosecuting, told the court that Macinally had been a regular visitor at a local shop where she had presented cheques drawn on the pensioner's bank account.

Macinally had bought food and had been given the difference between the cost of the goods and the cheque in cash.

He alleged that on two occasions the defendant had taken the pensioner, who lived in Bell Lane, Kesgrave, to the Abbey National Bank to draw out money.

On the first occasion the pensioner had tried to withdraw £2,000 but had only taken out £500 when she was told that was the maximum amount that she was allowed.

Several days later Macinally and the old lady had returned and another £500 was withdrawn.

Macinally was arrested after social workers visited the pensioner's home and became concerned about her finances.

The pensioner was seen by a psychiatrist who said she was suffering from dementia and she now lived in a residential home.

Macinally told police officers that she had cashed cheques signed by the pensioner at her local shop and had bought food.

She said the pensioner had known what she was doing and had given her money because she felt sorry for her and was fond of her children.

She admitted accompanying the woman to the Abbey National on one occasion and said the money that had been withdrawn had been used to buy presents for her children.

She denied defrauding the pensioner and said the elderly woman just wanted to help her.

Mr Franklin claimed that Macinally had taken advantage of a vulnerable pensioner for three months and had used her bank account as her personal cash point.

The trial continues.