A 65-year-old Canberra man has been charged with stealing an estimated $130,000 from an 85-year-old woman he befriended.
Max Davidson faced 12 charges of theft in the ACT Magistrates Court today, as well as charges of growing cannabis.
Police say he befriended the woman about six years ago when he was working as a roadside assistance mechanic and she called for emergency help.
The pair stayed in touch.
Police say that when the woman became unwell, Mr Davidson began helping to buy her necessities, while at the same time purchasing things for himself and withdrawing large amounts of cash.
Eventually, police say, he convinced the woman to give him power of attorney for her, and make him a beneficiary of her estate.
When the woman's health deteriorated further, Mr Davidson gave up his job to become her full-time carer.
He allegedly withheld her mail, including bank statements.
Police also say the man employed and paid members of his family to carry out renovations on her home, though the work was never done.
Police were alerted when the woman returned to her house to discover multiple household items were missing.
The items ranged from a photo album to furniture and tyres.
Most of the alleged theft happened in 2018.
During a search of Mr Davidson's Flynn home, police allegedly found a grow house, leading to charges of cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis.
Magistrate Beth Campbell said the details of the case were distressing and she would usually reject the bail application.
"I wouldn't need to blink," she said.
However, the court heard the crime was first reported in 2018.
"I think it's a little rich that it took four years for it to end up in court," the magistrate said.
She granted Mr Davidson bail on the condition he report daily to police.
Mr Davidson is due to return to court next year.
