A PONTYPOOL couple, who defrauded an elderly woman of more than £50,000, were described as "amongst the most appalling people I have ever met" by a judge who jailed them both for four years.

Judge Stephen Hopkins QC said Stephen, 52 and Jacqueline Courtney, 49, of The Woodlands, Penygarn, lied throughout their 11-day trial at Newport Crown Court, where they were accused of deceiving an 89-year-old woman.

A jury yesterday found the couple guilty of dishonestly abusing their positions as carers of Marion Edna Holland between January 2009 and March 2010 and transferring £54,568.01 of her money to themselves.

The jury also found the couple guilty of a second count of persuading Mrs Holland to change her will in favour of Mrs Courtney.

In sentencing the couple, Judge Hopkins said: "This is the most appalling abuse of an elderly lady. The only true words you spoke throughout the trial were about the substantial effect on her.

"You destroyed the happiness of that lady in the twilight of her life."

Judge Hopkins said the couple built up Mrs Holland's trust, taking advantage of her affection for them and set out to "milk her" of all her money.

He added: "I have sat as a judge for over 20 years in south Wales and before that was a barrister for 13 years. In all that time, you are amongst the most appalling people I have ever met."

The court heard how Jacqueline Courtney started cleaning for Mrs Holland in 2003, with the pensioner coming to view her as a daughter.

Judge Hopkins sentenced both defendants to four years in prison.

After the verdict, DC Louise Holl of Gwent Police's protection of vulnerable adults' department said she was "over the moon" with the sentence and visited Mrs Holland to tell her the news.

DC Holl said Mrs Holland was "extremely upset and shocked" trusted friends could have stolen from her. Mrs Holland's only family are two nieces- one in the USA and one in Birmingham- and she came to see Mrs Courtney as a daughter.

DC Holl added: "It's a wonderful verdict and hopefully with a Proceeds of Crime Act application, she will get some money back."