A man with cerebral palsy has hit out after a woman who tricked her way into his house and stole a winning National Lottery ticket was spared jail.

Graham Thody, who is severely disabled and in a wheelchair, was horrified when Joyce Moore walked free from court with 100 hours' community service and an £85 fine.

Police who led the investigation were also furious last night saying the sentence sent out the wrong message to those who target the most vulnerable members of society.

Mother-of-three Moore, 43, called at Mr Thody's specially-adapted bungalow in Burgess Hill to borrow 50p for a phone call.

But she went behind his back and stole credit cards, £85 cash and the ticket with four winning numbers.

Mr Thody, 40, said he felt betrayed because he allowed the woman into his home thinking she was a friend.

He said: "I thought I could trust her and I was proved wrong. She took advantage of someone who is vulnerable. I cannot believe she did this to me - it was a horrible experience.

"Now I feel let down by the courts too. The sentence is awful."

Moore pleaded guilty to one charge of burglary at Lewes Crown Court and was ordered to pay back the £85 in instalments of £3 a week and go through a three-year rehabilitation programme.

Judge Mr Justice Aikens was scathing as he passed sentence, saying the theft was "distressing and very disturbing" but he spared Moore jail after hearing she had taken steps to improve her life after being trapped in an abusive relationship.

Mr Thody said: "I go out a lot and I'm not the sort of person who stays at home but I was left very anxious after this.

"People see a disabled person and think they can take advantage of you. It has made me very angry."

He initially wanted to help her.

"I could not physically get any money from my wallet but I said she could use my mobile phone if it was urgent.

"She went behind my chair and so was out of my field of vision for about 15 seconds and then she rushed out.

"I found out later when I looked at my CCTV camera that she had something on her."

Police who called at Moore's home nearby found Mr Thody's property but she at first denied stealing from him.

Mr Thody left a residential home seven years ago to lead a new life.

He has a team of carers to help with some tasks.

He said: "I've tried to live independently and then someone who I thought I could trust comes along and does this.

"It has been quite a struggle and I have to manage my own staff. I've since had to raise the funds to buy more security equipment. It's a real kick in the teeth."

His mother Barbara, 62, who also has cerebral palsy, said: "We were expecting a sentence that was a lot harder."

Detective Constable Chris Smith, the officer leading the investigation, said: "We were surprised and disappointed with the outcome of the case.

"All of this talk about protecting the vulnerable does not seem to have had an effect."