A care worker was caught stealing cash from an 81-year-old woman after relatives of the victim rigged up a spy camera in a teddy bear in her room.
Thief Emelie Kleen-Barry was branded "a parasite" by a judge, who jailed her for 13 months yesterday.
The 28-year-old was already on bail for stealing from a friend when she raided severely-ill Margaret Birch's purse.
The family of Mrs Birch, of Hinckley, were at Leicester Crown Court to see Kleen-Barry sentenced.
Afterwards, they told of Mrs Birch's heartbreak at seeing CCTV footage of the trusted carer taking £40 from her purse, which was in a wardrobe. Daughter Lindsey Geary, 54, of Hinckley, said: "We feel justice has been done.
"When we saw what Emelie did, it was sickening. It's had a devastating impact, mentally and physically, on mum.
"My 86-year-old father, Owen, who was doing a marvellous job of looking after mum, now feels as if he has failed to protect her, as it was happening right under their noses.
"He's upset, angry and frustrated and it's made him suspicious of the people he lets into his home.
"The grandchildren are worried and upset to see their gran so sad.
"She blames herself, saying 'Why did I leave my bag in my wardrobe?' But it's her home – she should be allowed to leave her bag where she likes without fear of someone stealing what little she had."
Mrs Geary said the family decided to rig up the camera after Mrs Birch seemed to have less cash than usual.
They noted the serial numbers on the notes in Mrs Birch's purse so they could identify them.
"Mum spotted her pension wasn't lasting for the week," she said.
"We couldn't account for the money. She wasn't going out and we did the shopping for her.
"We didn't know Emelie was on bail at the time. She shouldn't have been looking after vulnerable people while on bail for theft.
"What we think of her is unprintable. She has never apologised.
"Mum always see the best in everyone. She was badly let down by someone she trusted."
Mrs Birch's other daughter, Sandra Smith, 51, of Hinckley, said: "Mum feels as though the bedroom she calls her sanctuary has been violated.
"It was vile, stealing from such a frail and seriously-ill person."
She said the family "tried to cheer mum up at bit" by calling the spy camera plan Operation Narnia, because the device focused on the wardrobe.
The victim's grandson, Scott Birch, 28, said: "Emelie not only stole money, she stole gran's dignity, security, trust and happiness.
"I wish people who commit these sorts of crimes could see the distress and hurt they leave behind."
Granddaughter Nicola Geary, 29, said: "We're happy with the sentence."
Kleen-Barry, of John Bold Avenue, Stoney Stanton, admitted theft of £40, on November 2.
She confessed after police showed her the video of her taking cash from Mrs Birch's purse and putting it in her back pocket.
Kleen-Barry also admitted stealing a bank card, house key, mobile phone and cash from an acquaintance while they were on a night out in Hinckley on August 26.
The court heard there was a suggestion the defendant spiked the 22-year-old victim's drink, although there was no evidence to support the claim.
On the evening, the woman became ill and friends went to look for a taxi for her, leaving Kleen-Barry with her.
When the friends returned, Kleen-Barry falsely claimed the victim had been robbed, said Jim Metcalf, prosecuting.
However, when a friend phoned the victim's mobile it rang in Kleen-Barry's handbag – which also contained the victim's other missing possessions.
Kleen-Barry told police she had been the worse for drink and had no recollection of stealing.
The court was told the reason for her offending was the breakdown of a long-term relationship which had left her saddled with £5,000 debt.
Recorder Jason Macadam said: "These were both mean and wicked offences. You were bang to rights on both occasions.
"You deserve to be labelled a parasite because that's what you were.
"The theft from the elderly lady was particularly abhorrent.
"The monetary value involved doesn't reflect the extent of the harm caused.
"It was a gross breach of trust on extremely vulnerable victims."
Paul Tubb, mitigating, said Kleen-Barry had expressed remorse.
He said: "Many of her family aren't speaking to her and she's so ashamed she's moved to live with an uncle in Birmingham.
"She lost her job and remains unemployed.
"She won't be able to work in the field of care again."
