Callous Leeds carer emptied friend's bank account to buy drugs then hid letters to hide crime which came to light when Sky was disconnected

Mark Kirk took over £2,000 from the account then hid bills and letters when they were delivered to the 71-year-old victim's home in a bid to cover up his offending.

Kirk's deception eventually came to light when Sky television at the property was disconnected as there was no money to pay the bill.

Leeds Crown Court heard Kirk had lived with the victim for more than 20 years since renting a room at his home.

The victim is blind in one eye, has diabetes and suffers from extreme pain in his legs.

Kirk became the man's carer around five years ago and was paid to look after him full time.

Jessica Randall, prosecuting, said the offending took place in May last year.

Kirk had permission to use the bank card to buy shopping for the victim and get money to pay bills.

Kirk, 44, threw away letters and bills when they were delivered to the house.

When the victim questioned why mail was not being delivered, Kirk claimed there were problems with the postal system due to the pandemic.

The offending came to light when Sky television was turned off on June 1.

Ms Randall said: "At that point the defendant said he had spent all the money on drugs and said he was unable to repay the money.

"He gave him a detailed confession."

Kirk went to the bank with the victim where they were given a list of transactions relating to the pensioner's account.

The defendant identified 39 transactions which he had made for himself.

Kirk, of Green Lane, Armley, pleaded guilty to theft.

He has previous convictions for theft and other offences of dishonesty.

"He had known him for 20 years and that relationship is ruined. There is no going back."

Mr Morrow said Kirk had not been in trouble since the offending and had made good progress addressing his drug problems.

Kirk was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was ordered to pay £500 to the victim.

Kirk was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity and attend a drug treatment requirement for nine months.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said: "You preyed on a vulnerable man with serious health problems and poor eyesight."