A YOUNG woman stole the life savings of a family friend who had cared for her since she was a child - after sneaking into her bedroom.

Jade Jones, 28, of Abergavenny, banged on the elderly lady's door in the middle of the night to plead with her to be allowed in.

Jones then went upstairs while the "vulnerable" 60-year-old victim was using the toilet to steal her £110 savings.

A court heard she was helped by her husband Matthew Jones, 33, to also steal her Post Office and Santander credit cards and a £20 note from the pensioner's purse.

Cardiff Crown Court was told the victim had helped look after her when she was a little girl - and was left so shaken by the crime that she has tried to take her own life.

Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett said: "This was a cynical attempt to gain a small amount of money.

"The victim was very much disturbed and betrayed by the actions of Jade Jones.

"She feels very unsure of herself at her home and is suicidal on occasions.

"Although the amount of money stolen wasn't vast the burglary was aggravated by the breach of trust."

The elderly woman, from Abergavenny, has severe epilepsy and lives in sheltered housing accommodation.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how she used to speak weekly to Jade - until she started using heroin.

Jones, also of Abergavenny, offered to look after her after she was involved in a different burglary, the court heard.

She asked her if she could borrow £10 but following a lengthy dispute Mrs Phillips refused.

The court heard how Jones then asked to use the toilet - but instead ran upstairs into the pensioner's bedroom.

After rifling through her belongings, Jones left the property without any items - but came back two days later with her husband.

Matthew and Jade Jones were arrested by Gwent Police trying to use the woman's bank cards at post offices and cash points in Barry and Abergavenny.

Jade Jones pleaded guilty to one count of burglary, one count of attempted theft and one count of possession of heroin.

Matthew Jones, also of Llwynu Lane, Abergavenny, also pleaded guilty to one count of burglary and one count of attempted theft.

Judge Tom Crowther QC told the pair: "The woman let you both into her home and then you stole her entire life savings before leaving.

"You only thought of yourselves and took advantage of an old woman by feigning friendship."

Jade, who previously appeared in court 10 times for crimes including robbery, was given a two-year community order and must undergo treatment for her heroin addiction.

Matthew, who has 31 previous convictions including for theft of property and burglary, was jailed for 18 months. Both were also fined £900.