A GARDENER who swindled £22,000 from a 92-year-old woman has been ordered to pay the money back, with interest.

Nigel Vause targeted the housebound pensioner over a period of six years, befriending her and gaining her trust.

He coerced the woman into signing blank cheques in return for work he did at her home.

Vause, aged 53, then cashed them for various amounts, stealing up to £7,000 a year, Bolton Crown Court heard.

He was jailed for two years for his deceit in November, 2008, and appeared before a judge on Thursday for a proceeds of crime hearing.

Although his victim has since died, Vause was told he had six months to pay the cash back — and could face having to sell his £140,000 house in Midford Drive, Sharples, if he cannot raise the money.

Judge Angela Neild ordered him to pay £24,542.66 to his victim’s estate. The increased amount takes into account interest that would have been earned on the money.

The court was told that Vause stole £4,995 from his victim in 2004.

In 2005, the figure was £6,170; in 2006, it was £7,740; and, in 2007, he stole £2,100 in April alone.

Vause also falsely claimed nearly £40,000 in benefits and was told he must pay £13,340.13 back to the Department of Work and Pensions.

Along with his wife, he has paid more than £70,000 off his mortgage, the court was told.

If he is unable to raise the money otherwise, Vause will have to use the equity he has in the house — £37,882 — to settle his debts.

Vause will be released on July 1, but faces a further 14 months in jail if he fails to pay the cash back within six months.