A Topsham charity administrator fleeced a deaf and partially sighted 98-year-old woman out of £25,000, a court heard.

Portia Curran admitted defrauding Eva Hollins - who has since died - between June 2021 and March 2022 by abusing her position for the Estuary League of Friends in Topsham, Devon.

Curran, aged 32, of Higher Wear Road, Exeter, also admitted a second fraud charge against the same victim in November 2021 when she accessed bank accounts in Eva Hollins' name to make various transactions.

Exeter magistrates court heard the victim was particularly vulnerable due to her age and frailty.

The court heard mother-of-one Curran faces up to three years in jail for the offences.

Peter Woodley, defending, said Curran had not tried to shift the blame and knows what she did was wrong.

He said: "She was not living an extravagant lifestyle but used the money to pay bills, treats for her family and days out for her son."

Curran was granted bail and will be sentenced by a judge at Exeter Crown Court next month.

Rachel Gilpin chief executive at The Estuary League of Friends said: "We take very seriously our responsibilities towards the community we serve and our wonderful clients.

"Misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated and we are deeply saddened to learn of an isolated incident involving a former part time member of our office staff has been charged with fraud whilst in a position of trust."

"As soon as we became aware of possible misconduct, the former part time employee was suspended, all relevant authorities were notified, and a full investigation ensued which led to this formal charge and conviction of fraud.

"We want to reassure our community, our clients, supporters and staff, that we reviewed and strengthened all our policies and practices in order to prevent this from ever happening again and we thank the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary for their thorough investigation and handling of such a sensitive matter and the successful conviction outcome achieved."