David Jowett (64) got to know spinster Lillian Tempest as she was so lonely she would ride round Burnley on his bus on her free pass every day. Miss Tempest, a regular at Haggate Baptist Chapel invited Jowett to her home for a cup of tea and he lied to her, claiming he was in debt.

The defendant got his hands on the cash as the once independent 70-year-old descended into dementia five years ago and blew it on holidays, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Jowett, now of Fourth Avenue, Goole, earlier admitted six counts of theft. Sentencing, Recorder Maurice Greene told him it was clear Miss Tempest's health had been deteriorating and he had taken advantage.

Mr David Macro (prosecuting) said Miss Tempest died last December after an investigation started.

Before 2002, the victim had regular contact with family and friends and was a keen church-goer. Mr Macro said in December 2001, she became very withdrawn and was later placed in a nursing home after dementia was diagnosed.

Miss Tempest's cousin was appointed receiver for the victim's affairs in December 2003 and could find no financial documents in the house. She contacted police and it was found £29,000 had been withdrawn from Miss Tempest's Abbey bank account in six transactions. It had all gone to the defendant, who paid cheques into his own account.

Mr Macro said the defendant accepted he told Miss Tempest he had debts and claimed she had offered to give him money. He said she had given him £6,000 but later admitted having all the money and not using it to pay debts. Jowett told police he was disgusted with himself and added: "It's just greed, I suppose." He said the victim had wanted to give him money, he took advantage but had not set out to get cash off her. Jowett had no previous convictions.

Laura Barbour (defending) said Jowett was deeply ashamed. Miss Tempest would give him sweets and chocolate and they struck up a friendship. She spoke of him fondly and he had taken advantage of her kindness.

The barrister went on: "He accepts it was wrong to take that money. He accepts it was wrong to tell her he had debts. He accepts had he not lied to her and she wouldn't have given him this money. They are despicable offences and he knows that."