A FRAIL pensioner whose finances were looked after by a neighbour was “unkempt” and was found to be living in messy conditions, it has been alleged.

Pc Zoe Townsend, whose job involves safeguarding vulnerable adults, told a jury at Ipswich Crown Court that when she went to the 73-year-old woman’s home she noticed it was “disorganised” and there were letters concerning arrears in utility bills.

Pc Townsend was giving evidence on the second day of the trial of Brenda Levy, 53, of Kenyon Street, Ipswich who has denied two offences of fraud by abuse of position between 2007 and 2010.

The court has heard that because of concerns about the ability of the 73-year-old woman and her partner, who has since died, to look after themselves and their finances Levy, who was a friend and neighbour, was appointed to receive their pensions and act on their behalf.

Peter Gair, prosecuting alleged that Levy was under an obligation to use the couple’s money in their best interests and to keep a record of expenditure made on their behalf.

However, he claimed that Levy had paid the couple’s pension and disability allowance which amounted to �1,600 a month into her current account and had failed to keep any records to account for how the money had been spent.

The court heard that Levy told police she had paid the couple’s bills and bought their food and denied acting dishonestly.

The trial continues today.