A LLOYDS bank worker stole thousands of pounds from an ISA account she helped set up for her grieving sister-in-law in Barry.

Anne Peterson, 57, of Somerset Road, Barry had been working at the Barry bank for 40 years when she helped her sister-in-law Janet Thomas set up the account to help with her finances, following the death of her husband in December 2011.

Over the next six months she accessed the account four times, stealing a total of £4360 by claiming she was acting on behalf of a relative who was too ill to attend the branch.

Peterson had also intervened to ensure that bank statements were diverted so that Mrs Thomas would not notice the missing money.

In January 2013 Mrs Thomas noticed the missing money and went into the branch where Peterson's scheme was uncovered.

Cardiff Crown Court heard today (Friday, October 24) that Peterson had found herself in financial difficulties at the time.

Peterson had initially denied the charge of fraud, with blame being placed on the bank, a co-worker and even Mrs Thomas herself, before she changed her plea to guilty on the day her trial was due to begin.

She was described in court as a woman who was greatly respected by her family.

Byron Broadstock defending told the court: "It's clear how highly they all think of her.

"The resultant loss of respect among the family has been very difficult."

The court also heard several statements from acquaintances of Peterson all of which described her in glowing terms, one referring to her as a woman of "great integrity and honesty".

"Well I'm afraid you are not," said Recorder Elwen Evans QC.

"You are a dishonest woman who has breached a profound level of trust placed in you."

Peterson was given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to pay £2000 costs, a £100 surcharge and to carry out 200 hours unpaid work.

The stolen money will be paid back out of Peterson's pension fund.