A WOMAN who stole thousands of pounds from a frail neighbour must hand over £35,000 within a month or face jail.

Jaishri Patel stole £35,000 from 95-year-old Alice Heyes's bank account over a period of five years from her bank and savings accounts.

Her thefts were uncovered in 2013 when Mrs Heyes went to live in a care home, and her bank accounts were examined.

At Bolton Crown Court yesterday, Patel was told by Judge Peter Davies that she must hand over the sum by May 12, and if she did not, then she would be sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Judge Davies said: "This sum of money must be paid within 28 days.

"There will be a sentence of 12 months imprisonment if that money is not paid. I am confident that the money will be paid — but it must be paid by May 12."

Mark Friend, defending, told the court that Patel's family had was "in a position" to find the funds on her behalf.

At a previous hearing, the court was told that Patel had used the money to pay for school fees for her two children to attend Bolton School.

Over the five year period, from February 2008 to April 2013, Patel had also forged Mrs Heyes' signature in order to gain a credit card.

Mrs Heyes, who did not have any close family, died on January 26 this year, aged 95.

She came to rely on Patel for help with tasks around the house, including cooking and shopping, as she had become bedbound.

Mrs Heyes gave Patel a cheque book, debit and deposit account cards. She proceeded to help herself to £18,000 in withdrawals from Mrs Heyes' bank account, spending £12,750 using her chequebook and buying goods to the value of £2,745 using Mrs Heyes' debit card.

The court was told that Patel had taken much more than £35,000, but that the additional funds were treated as money which had bene legitimately obtained for the help she had initially provided to Mrs Heyes.

Patel, who was yesterday remanded in custody, previously pleaded guilty to theft and three counts of fraud.