THE sister of former First Minister Jack McConnell has admitted stealing £9,000 from an 80-year-old woman.

Heartless Anne McConnell, 51, used the vulnerable pensioner's bank card to pocket the cash between February and August 2015.

She managed to steal the card while working as a carer for the woman.

McConnell was initially charged with stealing £17,900 but the charged was reduced after negotiations with prosecutors.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard last week how McConnell spent three years as the pensioner's carer before going on sick leave in April 2015.

McConnell was responsible for the daily care and health for the woman who suffered from severe arthritis.

The court heard it was not known how McConnell managed to get hold of the card.

On August 5, 2015, McConnell attended a cash machine at the Bank of Scotland in Brodick, Isle of Arran, and withdrew £200 from the woman's savings account.

Between February and August, a number of transactions were carried out.

It was revealed that a total of £9,000 had been withdrawn at the same machine by McConnell.

Her thefts were discovered after the pensioner noticed money was missing from a bank statement.

The woman's new carer swiftly cancelled the card and contacted the police.

McConnell, of Montrose Terrace, Whiting Bay, Arran, apologised to police after being traced and detained.

She said needed the cash to pay for her mortgage.

McConnell, a first offender, added that she "wasn't right in the head" because of the menopause.

Claire McKevney, prosecuting, also made a motion to seize the money McConnell stole.

McConnell pled guilty to the theft at court on Wednesday, January 27.

Before placing McConnell on bail and calling for social work reports, a visibly repulsed Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane said: "It's just as well I'm not sentencing you today, it gives me a chance to cool down after I hear such despicable facts."

From the dock, McConnell said: "I'm sorry," to which Sheriff McFarlane replied: "I'm sure you are, has it been repaid?"

After being assured by McConnell she was going to pay the money back, Sheriff McFarlane said: "Well it hasn't been repaid?"

She added: "All options are open to me, I'm sure you appreciate that."

When leaving the dock, a voice from the public gallery shouted: "Scumbag" at McConnell.

McConnell will be sentenced in February. The proceeds of crime hearing will take place in March.

A spokesperson for Jack McConnell said: "Jack McConnell is not involved in this court case in any way. He has never been asked to contribute to any payment and is not making any payment in relation to these proceedings."