A CARE worker accused of exploiting her position to steal thousands of pounds from a 91-year-old woman will answer the charges next month at Swindon Crown Court.

Appearing in court for the first time yesterday, South African-born Lolita Reid was told the charges against her are so serious that she could only be judged by the higher court.

Speaking softly only to confirm her full name, age and address to the court, Miss Reid seemed calm and collected as the three charges against her were read out.

Reid, 44, originally of Durban but now living at East Street, Winterbourne Kingston, Dorset, is accused of abusing her role as a care worker for a 91-year-old woman to con her out of a total of £82,833.98.

The charges relate to a period of three years between 2009 and 2012 when Reid was providing a care package in Swindon for the woman, employed by a local care company.

She would have access to the woman's accommodation twice a day to provide her with vital daily assistance, and it is said that during the time in question she also had access to the pensioner’s bank account.

The accusations against Reid are that she stole a total of close to £60,000 in cash in addition to making transfers of thousands of pounds electronically and through debit card purchases, which were in fact destined for her own account.

Nick Barr, prosecuting, told Swindon Magistrates' Court today: “The background to this case is that this is an elderly and vulnerable lady, 91 years of age, who had been living in allocated accomodation in Swindon in receipt of a care package from a care company which involved the defendant, calling at her home two times a day on a regular basis.

“The charge is that she had access to the bank account of the defendant and thousands of pounds have been taken.”

Chairwoman of the bench Diana Crockett told Reid: “The offences for which you are charged are so serious that we think our powers of sentencing are insufficient in the magistrates' court so we are sending you to the crown court."

Reid was warned that her case would be heard on January 16 at Swindon Crown Court and she must not contact the woman named in the charge by any means.

"Even if you see her in the street you need to turn around and walk in the opposite direction,” Reid was told.