A LEGAL executive who stole almost £100,000 from vulnerable, elderly clients is out of jail and has only been ordered to pay back a third of what she stole.

Joni Parrington, 37, of Philips Avenue, Eastbourne, was told she would have to sell her home and car to pay back what she owed - but her assets totalled £26,448.39, less than a third of the £95,389 she conned to fund her gym venture and spruce up her home.

Judge Shani Barnes made the confiscation order at Hove Crown Court on Monday - and ruled that if she does not pay up within three month she will have to go back to jail.

Parrington abused the trust of her victims, who were incapable of looking after their own assets.

She moved money without their permission while working at the Peacehaven branch of solicitors firm Lawson Lewis Blakers in 2013.

Detective Sergeant Pete Billin of the Sussex Police economic crime unit, said: "Following her sentencing, an expert police financial investigator carried out an investigation of Parrington's assets. This has now resulted in the Proceeds of Crime Act judgement by the court.

"This decision shows once again that we can pursue criminals on behalf of the law-abiding public for their profits to be put back into society."

At the time of Partington's conviction Jeremy Sogno, senior partner at Lawson Lewis Blakers, said she was a “long-serving and trusted legal executive who committed a gross act of betrayal”.

He added: “As soon we discovered her actions, we suspended her. She was sacked a week later following an internal inquiry. We immediately paid back all the money stolen from the four clients and offered them our sincere apologies.

“Our clients and professional colleagues have given us great support during this very distressing period.

“We are very grateful for their continuing trust and loyalty.”