A WOMAN who conned elderly residents at a care home, using their bank cards to pay off her phone bill and book a holiday, has been spared jail.

Tatiana Zongololo fleeced her 'vulnerable' victims out of more than £1,000 and made various purchases including clothes and a £520 phone bill.

The 21-year-old of Lodden Avenue, Berinsfield, had already admitted one count of theft and seven counts of fraud by false representation.

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Oxford Crown Court heard at her sentencing hearing yesterday how all of the offences were committed in April last year.

Outlining the case, prosecutor Julian Lynch said Zongololo had been a carer at Millcroft, Tumim Court, Wallingford.

Her first crime - and the single count of theft - took place on April 1 where she snatched £15 from a coffee table of a resident.

After that she began using other residents' bank cards to make purchases.

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For those payments she didn't steal the cards but took photographs of the front and back and used those details to make transactions.

Detailing the seven counts of fraud prosecutors said Zongololo bought items from retailers 'Oh Polly,' 'Femme Luxe' and 'Klarna Ego.'

For one of the fraudulent transactions she paid an EE phone bill costing £519.50.

Another transaction was made for a holiday using beach.com to the value of £410.46.

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In total, prosecutors said she fleeced her victims out of £1,118.91.

After she was rumbled she was interviewed about the frauds.

During one interview she claimed she had been contacted by an unknown male on Snapchat who suggested she carry out the offences.

The court also heard that Zongololo has no previous convictions for any other offences.

In mitigation, defence barrister John Lucas said that his client was 'deeply remorseful' for what she had done.

He added that Zongololo was now employed as a shop manager elsewhere and had recently been promoted.

Explaining the offending he said: "All I can say is that she was feeling vulnerable at the time for whatever reason and was mixing with people who were encouraging her to do this."

Sentencing, Judge Ian Pringle QC said: "A greater abuse of trust is difficult to imagine and I think you probably know that."

Zongololo was handed a six-month jail term, suspended for 18 months.

She must also complete 12 rehabilitation activity requirement days and participate in the 'think ahead for women' programme. She was also ordered to pay £1,118.91 compensation and a victim surcharge.