A SOCIAL worker stole £33,000 over a year from a mentally ill man she was supposed to be looking after.

Jeanette Breedon, 50, of Strines Road, Marple, was jailed for 15 months at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester having admitted four counts of theft at a previous hearing.

Breedon has since been sacked by Manchester City Council, which has paid back the money to her victim James Featherstone.

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She was first assigned to care for Mr Featherstone, a retired computer salesman who suffers from manic depression, while he was a patient in Wythenshawe Hospital.

But the thefts began after she had him transferred to the Rushes care home in Marple in April 2006.

Suspicious

It was only 14 months later when the home's manager became suspicious following Mr Featherstone raising concerns over his finances.

The manager contacted Mr Featherstone's solicitor and the police were called, arresting Breedon in June 2008.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that a search of her home found cash, debit cards and receipts connected to the victim.

Although a council employee, Breedon had been seconded to Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust when she committed the thefts.

Liz Bruce,a director for Manchester council, said: "Breedon's actions were an unacceptable and inexcusable breach of trust. As soon as it was brought to Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust's attention she was suspended and she has now been sacked.

"We deeply regret Breedon's actions and, in addition to repaying the patient, the council and trust have thoroughly reviewed procedures.

"We took swift action in this case and we will not tolerate this kind of abuse."

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