A carer defrauded a terminally ill man out of £150,000, a judge has decided.

Paul King, 54, had already admitted fraud by abuse of position but claimed he tried to steal £30,000 from 88-year-old Harry Brown.

But Judge Stephen Mooney decided at court today that King defrauded Mr Brown of £150,000 over a period of four years, five times the amount he claimed.

King transferred money into his own bank account and withdrew thousands in cash from vulnerable pensioner Mr Brown.

Mr Brown also sold his bungalow in Bevendean Avenue, Saltdean, which the Crown said King was intending to steal the proceeds of.

The Newton hearing was held at Lewes Crown Court where it was confirmed that King, of Western Road, Brighton, stole the higher figure.

Kevin Light, defending, previously said the discrepancy over the amount of money was due to the fact King was being paid a wage by Mr Brown and was incurring expenses on his behalf.

A Newton hearing is when a defendant pleads guilty to an offence but there is disagreement with the prosecution "as to the material facts on which the defendant should be sentenced".

King will be sentenced on March 6 at the same court.