A shamed churchgoing carer has asked for forgiveness after stealing signed Chelsea shirts and Louis Vuitton handbags from a disabled Ipswich woman she was looking after.

South East Suffolk Magistrates Court heard the items Dorothy Ndeble stole amounted to £1,100.

The 39-year-old admitted theft in breach of trust between September 23 and October 10 last year.

Prosecutor Colette Harper said Ndeble was employed to care for a 41-year-old woman who had previously suffered a brain haemorrage and a stroke which had made her immobile on her left side. This meant she needed 24-hour care and was wheelchair dependant.

Ndeble was a live-in carer. The court was told the victim lived with her mother and her mother’s partner who were going on holiday at the time.

They arranged for a live-in carer through an agency. However, when they returned they were told by the victim that two of her Louis Vuitton bags stored in a box on the landing were missing along with three signed Chelsea shirts.

Ndele, of Millers Dale Close, Rugby, in Warwickshire, was arrested and admitted stealing the items with the intention of keeping them for herself.

John Hughes, mitigating, said: “It’s fair to say Miss Ndeble is deeply ashamed of her actions and the consequences. She won’t be able to work in the area of work she loves and enjoys.

“My client says she’s deeply ashamed and embarrassed and does want sent a letter of apology to the victim after the matter has been dealt with.”

Mr Hughes added Ndeble, who is now unemployed, attended a church in Sheffield.

He added: “She’s asked the congregation to forgive her. She has put herself in front of everybody and has been very clear about that.”

Magistrates sentenced Ndeble to a 12-month community order with a requirement to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

She must also pay £200 compensation to the victim, as well as £85 costs and £60 to the victims’ fund.