A CLEVEDON carer ‘abused’ the trust of his elderly, ill and vulnerable clients by stealing their ‘precious and personal possessions’ to sell on, a court has heard.

David Pike, aged 49, pleaded not guilty to five counts of theft from five separate Clevedon homes during a trial at Bristol Crown Court this week.

Pike, of Strode Road, was employed by Brunel Care in November 2010 and has been charged with stealing sentimental items such as a Shakespeare commemorative coin, watches and a garnet and pearl ring.

On Monday, James Tucker, prosecuting, said: “David Pike was employed as a carer for elderly, ill and vulnerable people. He worked with them in their own homes but he breached that trust by stealing their precious, personal possessions before selling them on for a profit.

“Items missing were reported back through Brunel Care. By looking at the shift patterns the defendant had access to all the people who said they had property missing.”

The court heard from November 18, 2010 to October 12, 2012 Pike had also allegedly stolen a napkin ring, a leather bound volume of Shakespeare, an engraved life-saving medal, a silver coin, leather pouch, a Georgian coin and a pestle and mortar.

Mr Tucker said: “He was arrested on October 12, 2012. At that time his house and car were searched and during that search a number of items were recovered.”

The court heard Pike came into contact with Richard Searle, who owns a jewellery shop in Clevedon, and Mr Searle recalls a coin which was melted down and a ring.

Mr Tucker said: “While those searches were going on he (Pike) was asked about items going missing and the items found in his home. He said ‘yes I have got a number of items and bought them at car boot sales.’ When asked about specific items he answered no comment.

“The defendant has targeted the vulnerable and ill and abused their trust and stole their items for value.

“He said he bought them in good faith for value. The prosecution says it is quite a coincidence to buy one piece of stolen property, where the property was stolen from someone who he cared for.”

The trial continues.