A WOMAN who posed as a police officer to fleece thousands of pounds from a vulnerable pensioner has been jailed.

Tracey Hayward wore a homemade police cap to target her 88-year-old victim on multiple occasions.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Hayward, of Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare, crudely daubed the work 'Police' in correction fluid on a baseball cap and used a black notebook to convince the victim she was an officer when visiting her in her home.

The court heard the elderly woman’s home care became concerned for their client and installed covert cameras in her home to document Hayward’s offending.

Staff from PrimRose Home Help subsequently detained Hayward and she was arrested in possession of the baseball cap and notebook.

However, her arrest did not deter the 36-year-old and she continued to target her victim after being released under investigation.

It was only after she was arrested a second time and remanded in custody that her offending stopped.

Hayward pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and one count of theft and was yesterday (Tuesday) sentenced to two years in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Simon Dawkins said: “Tracey Hayward is a despicable individual who repeatedly exploited a woman she knew to be vulnerable.

“I’m extremely grateful for the care shown by PrimRose Home Help, their diligence in recording Hayward’s actions and detaining her for officers undoubtedly assisted us in gaining a conviction.”