David Fish, 42, used a bank card belonging to the 84-year-old to make hundreds of cash withdrawals and numerous purchases on eBay.

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The woman also bought him a series of expensive gifts including jewellery and two motorcycles over an 18 month period.

Norwich Magistrates Court was told he had first got to know the woman while he was employed to care for her husband until he died in 2019.

Dylan Ward-Murtagh, prosecuting, said he had continued to befriend for a further four years after she became a widow.

He said: “She would introduce him to people as her grandson.

“He was registered as her next-of-kin as being her grandson even though he isn’t and they are not related.”

David Fish admitted defrauding 84-year-old woman who he befriended (Image: Newsquest)

When the woman had to stay in hospital after suffering a fall she gave him her bank cards, the court heard.

Between January 2023 and August 2024 he had then made 213 unauthorised cash withdrawals totalling £29,500.

His deception came to light after a social worker learnt from the woman that money had been taken and contacted the police, said Mr Ward-Murtagh.

He said she had been vulnerable and fragile at the time and that he had abused the trust she had placed in him while in hospital.

Investigations discovered losses of £15,000 with a further £14,500 belonging to her in his possession but which had not been returned.

David Fish will be sentenced at Norwich Crown Court in May (Image: Newsquest)

Fish, of Mill Close in Thurton, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.

Magistrates committed him to be sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on May 11 with all options open including a jail sentence.

Fish, who represented himself in court, said: “I got very close after her husband died. She called me grandson and I called her nan because I thought of her as my nan.

“I thought I was doing the right thing. I have never said she cannot have the money back. I have made some mistakes and am genuinely sorry.”

© Eastern Daily Press