McLaughlin, 71, began administering the complainer’s finances in the early 2000s after her husband passed away.

The woman, described as having ‘mild learning difficulties’, was said to have been ‘grateful’ for the assistance.

McLaughlin was due to stand trial before a jury this week but instead offered a plea of guilty to embezzling the money between November 2002 and November 2017.

Fiscal depute Maria Murdoch told the court that the misappropriation of funds came to light after a discussion between the complainer and the manager of her sheltered housing complex several years ago.

(Image: Newsquest) The woman was upset because McLaughlin was not giving her money she had requested to pay for a haircut.

The case was subsequently referred to social workers, who spoke with McLaughlin an

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