PENSIONER Dorothy Cripps is determined to get justice for her vulnerable middle-aged son after she says he was conned out of £5,000.

Mrs Cripps, 73, is furious that her son Gary, 50, who was only released from Green Lane Hospital in February after an 18 month stay was persuaded to hand over the cash over a period of several weeks.

Mr Cripps, who grew up in Devizes and still lives in the town, said: "People I know told me they needed the money to help pay for a funeral. They told me that I would get the money back but I haven't.

"I am very upset about what happened. I had saved the money from my benefits when I was in hospital but now I haven't got anything left. I went to the building society to get the money as they told me they needed it. The first time I gave them £250 but it was £5,000 in total."

He saw members of the same family a number of times in Devizes and each time he was asked for money. He said: "I thought they were really desperate for the money and I should try and help. But now I think I was just being used."

His mum only found out that her son, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia when he was 17 and also suffers from diabetes and other ailments, after he had given away all of his money.

She said: "I am so upset about what has happened to Gary. He didn't really know what he was doing and I think he was conned but no-one seems to be able to help us. I have tried to approach one of the people myself to get the money back but he just runs away. It is terrible what they have done to Gary.

"We called the police and an officer came round to take a statement but then we were told that because Gary had gone willingly to take the money out and hand it over there is nothing they can do."

She said she and her son had also gone to his building society but were told that it was unable to help for the same reason. Mrs Cripps said: "I just feel that we have been abandoned but I won't stop until I get justice."

Mr Cripps, a former mechanic who is now unable to work because of his health, said: "I want to warn other people to be careful in case they are approached for money."

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "We received this report in May and the information was passed to a financial investigator so the appropriate course of action could be determined. Enquiries were carried out and an officer has visited Mr Cripps.

"It was discovered that no criminal offences have taken place therefore police cannot investigate and words of advice have been given. We believe this man has contacted his bank and Action Fraud and is continuing with this avenue."