A CHIPPENHAM grandmother has been left angry and upset after more than £6,000 of her money was stolen by a member of her own family.

Rosemarine Billing trustingly gave her card and PIN number to her daughter-in-law, Claire Billing, in October last year so she could help run errands for the 76-year-old.

But Mrs Billing and her family were shocked to discover in May this year that more than £6,000 had been taken from the account over an eight-month period.

Billing, of Oate Hill, Chippenham, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at Chippenham Magistrates’ Court on August 11.

She was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months, ordered to perform 180 hours' unpaid work and pay compensation of £6,321.46.

She was also ordered not to contact Mrs Billing, her sons Phil and Darren Billing and daughter Karen Billing.

Speaking about the court decision, Phil Billing said: “When the sentence happened we were gutted, we don’t think the punishment was harsh enough.

“What’s mum going to get back a month? Mum will be dead and gone before she gets any of the money back. She should be enjoying life and that £6,000.

“The judge said she showed no remorse and it’s sad to think for a little bit mum’s life was put on hold.”

The family claim that when confronting Billing she initially denied the accusations before admitting to taking only £500.

“She got mum to sign a letter saying that she knew she had taken £500 and that she would pay it back but that she wouldn’t be able to prosecute her,” added Mr Billing.

“That’s when we decided we needed to look into it.”

Mrs Billing, who has lived in Chippenham for 60 years and has known Claire Billing for 16 years, spent more than three weeks in hospital over two visits due to stress and ill health caused by the fraud.

She said: “When she admitted to taking £500 I was really angry and upset.

“Being my daughter-in-law you wouldn’t expect that.”

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “No one is above the law. If you are ever suspicious of any family members or anyone’s motivation to befriend a vulnerable and/or elderly neighbour or relative then call Wiltshire Police on 101.

“We will investigate fraud and prosecute anyone who attempts to carry out such crimes.”