A GRANDMOTHER is facing jail for stealing almost £150,000 from her “vulnerable” cousin who has cerebral palsy.

Wendy Davies, 76, of Heyope, Knighton, treated herself to clothes from expensive fashion shops and a trip to Paris.

She was given legal control of the finances of her relative John Pugh, 66, who has “no concept of money”.

But a court heard she abused her position of trust by taking £5,000-a-month from his bank account.

Prosecutor Craig Jones said: “The defendant was spending money on items from Monsoon, Next and La Redoute.

“There was also a trip to Paris which she justified because it provided a degree of respite for her.”

The court heard she spent £56,000 of Mr Pugh’s money at her local supermarket during the five years she ran his finances.

Davies also used some of the cash to improve the driveway at her home in the village of Heyope.

Mr Jones told a jury: “Mr Pugh was living in supported accommodation in Llandrindod Wells and had no need for large amounts of cash.

“The withdrawals of £60,000-a-year were far in excess of what was required in her proper execution of his affairs.”

The Court of Protection appointed Davies to manage the financial affairs of Mr Pugh who has severe learning difficulties.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown court was given a list of Davies’ spending from her cousin’s bank account between 2005 and 2010 which amounted to £149,192.

She was relieved of her duties administering her cousin’s finances after concerns were raised in 2010.

When police questioned Davies about bank transactions at Monsoon and La Redoute stores she replied: “I don’t know.”

Davies denied theft and dishonestly abusing a position of trust.

She claimed the money was spent caring for her cousin, including regular visits to her home, and petrol to ferry him around.

Davies was found guilty and warned she could be jailed when sentenced later this month.