Pearson began popping over to the 79-year-old's small unit and immediately discovered the woman's weakness.

"I love pussy cats," she said.

So Pearson brought over her cat, they drank tea and by May she was helping the woman with her groceries.

As soon as she found out the PIN for the woman's cash card, the offending began.

Pearson would buy groceries for the neighbour, some for herself - often of a greater value - and withdraw cash, too.

The arrangement ended when the victim found the woman going through her drawers around September.

But the rip-off continued.

"She knew where I kept that card," the victim said.

In the ensuing five months, Pearson withdrew nearly $5500.

First she claimed the money was used for bills but later said it was to pay off a blackmailer, though she would not name them.

Judge Connell was frank: "I don't believe you."

Since Pearson had now lost her job and was waiting for her benefit to start, Judge Connell said he could only impose reparation of $3500.

It will be repaid at $30 a week, meaning it would be more than two years until the debt was satisfied.

"I might be dead by then," the victim said.

Pearson was also sentenced to five months' community detention, with an 8pm-to-7am curfew, at the house across the road from the victim.

So the pair might be seeing more of each other.

"I stand at my kitchen sink, look over there and think `you're going to reap what you sow, girl'."