A "manipulative" addict stole thousands from a "lovely" family who put their trust in him.
Benjamin Russo, 32, took the money from his ex-girlfriend's vulnerable mum after she asked him to do the shopping for them.
The heroin addict has previously served three years for robbery with an imitation firearm after he attempted to hold up a pub before asking that they handed him in to police.
Russo, of Bowland Drive, Litherland appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court today (July 31) where he pleaded guilty to the theft charge.
Angela Conlan, prosecuting, told the court that the 68-year-old victim, Elizabeth Hodgson, would ask Russo to do the shopping for her and her husband, who suffers from brain damage and various other disorders.
After shopping he would then steal hundreds at a time, eventually stealing £2,680 from the family.
Kate Hodgson, Russo's now ex-girlfriend, said: "I feel heartbroken, absolutely shattered and guilty I brought him into our house."
In a message to his ex he told her "they'll never prove it" and that he "will never forgive them".
The court heard the thieving addict has a lengthy criminal record with 12 previous theft offences, the last of which was heard in the crown court in 2017.
On November 3, 2017, he was sentenced for robbery and possession of an imitation firearm, for which he received 56 months behind bars.
He was also sentenced for criminal damage on 2001, various fraud offences in 2009, and four robberies in 2009.
Tony Murphy, defending, stressed Russo had entered an early guilty plea.
Mr Murphy stated Russo is remorseful and "damaged what was a lovely relationship".
Russo had also described the family as "lovely" in interview as he teared up.
Mr Murphy explained Russo struggles with addiction and mental health issues and was "in the grip of heroin" at the time of his offending but has now been "drug-free" for one week.
Mentioning Russo's previous offence, Mr Murphy said: "He tried to do a hold up then said 'Just call the police for me'".
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Sentencing Russo, District Judge James Hatton branded him as "manipulative".
Judge Hatton said: "You've breached that family's trust in a disgraceful way."
Russo was handed a 26-week prison sentence, although as he was on licence following a previous conviction at the time he could end up serving a longer sentence.
A five-year restraining order was also put in place preventing Russo from contacting Elizabeth, Kate or Christopher Hodgson.
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