Father-of-two Andrew Rigby (29) withdrew £700 from victim David Allan's bank account, claiming he had been suffering from depression and the medication he was on had made him black out. He was said to have been suffering "extensive trauma,", Burnley Crown Court heard.

The victim had a mental age of four or five, was unaware of what was happening and still did not know what Rigby had done. The defendant, of Thorn Grove, Colne, whose partner is expecting his third child, admitted four fraud charges in September and October last year.

Sarah Johnson (prosecuting) said Rigby had been a community worker at a home in Accrington for adults with learning difficulties where the "extremely vulnerable" man was a resident.

He had a bank account and would withdraw money with the support of staff but a manager at the home became aware of a number of withdrawals from the victim's account and contacted the police.

It became apparent £200, £100, £300 and then £100 in cash had been taken from cash machines in Accrington. CCTV footage showed the defendant was in the relevant place at the time.

The prosecutor said Rigby claimed he had no recollection of taking the money. He said he stopped taking his medication in mid-October due to the blackouts.

Martin Hackett (defending) said Rigby could not remember committing the offences. He had no previous convictions and had not come to the attention of the courts since.

The barrister added that at the time the defendant had difficulties with his finances and relationship and was going through "extensive trauma." Mr Hackett added:" The offences were not sophisticated. He was always going to be caught."