A STAND-IN carer stole hundreds of pounds from an elderly amputee in order to feed his gambling addiction. Loa Sebastiao, 44, abused his position of trust to obtain disabled Roger Miller s bank card and PIN number. He made nine transactions over two days

A STAND-IN carer stole hundreds of pounds from an elderly amputee in order to feed his gambling addiction.

Loa Sebastiao, 44, abused his position of trust to obtain disabled Roger Miller's bank card and PIN number.

He made nine transactions over two days with the pensioner's card, pocketing �600, which he frittered away in betting shops.

Sebastiao, of Green Lane, Dagenham, was acting as Mr Miller's carer, while his wife was apparently unwell.

"Loa's wife was my temporary carer, while my regular carer was away on holiday," Mr Miller told the POST. "I knew the family well. I trusted them.

"I even bought Christmas presents for their daughters because they were always very helpful.

Mr Miller had asked the father-of-five to pick up some shopping from Tesco in Barking and gave Sebastiao his bank card and PIN number, telling him to withdraw �150.

The thief failed to return with the pensioner's groceries on December 11. When he returned a day later Sebastiao forgot to purchase several items and had not brought Mr Miller any change.

Mr Miller called his bank, which confirmed �600 had been withdrawn via nine different cashpoints.

Mr Miller, who is confined to a wheelchair, called the police and Sebastiao was arrested.

Sebastiao admitted stealing the cash, which has since been repaid, to feed his gambling addiction.

Mr Miller said: "The whole affair ruined my Christmas. I live alone you see and I don't see my family much. I was supposed to spend Christmas with my carer and her family, but instead I was all by myself."

Last week, Sebastiao appeared at Barking Magistrates' Court charged with two counts of theft.

He pleaded guilty and on Friday was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for two years.

He must complete 200 hours of community service and was placed under an electronic tagging order and cannot leave his house between 7pm and 7am. Magistrates ordered him to pay �89 costs.