A CARER from South Gloucestershire has been jailed after selling jewellery stolen from her clients.

Patsy Edwards, 46, of Ashcombe Crescent in Warmley, was jailed for 18 months after admitting three counts of theft at Bristol Crown Court yesterday

Ms Edwards was working for a care group at the time she committed the offences and was a carer to mostly elderly clients, carrying out duties including cleaning and washing.

Police were alerted to Ms Edwards’ dealings after a manager at a pawn ship in Kingswood got in touch in December 2014 contacted them to raise concerns over the amount of jewellery she was bringing in to sell.

An investigation was launched and Edwards was arrested and interviewed.

DC Alastair Binnie said: “Our investigation started with just a picture of a single item of jewellery – a sweetheart brooch. We identified the brooch’s owner who confirmed it had been stolen.

“We obtained copies of Edwards’ timesheets and spoke to all of her clients, many of which confirmed that items of their jewellery had gone missing.

“We were able to identify specific items of missing jewellery as being sold by Edwards to one of several pawn shops in the Kingswood area.

“Edwards refused to admit any responsibility in interview and said the jewellery was given to her by her late father or had been bought at a car boot sale. However, the strength of the evidence against her led to her admitting offences earlier today.

“To prey on and then profit from people you’re supposed to be caring for is despicable and heartless.

“Some of the jewellery she stole from her clients held great sentimental value, including wedding and engagement rings. In one case she stole and sold a Masonic ring given to the victim by his late wife in the 1950s.

“I’d like to thank all the victims for helping us bring Edwards to justice, as well as her employers and the pawn shops for helping with our inquiry.”