A caregiver appeared in court yesterday accused of going on a spending spree after stealing credit cards at homes she worked at.But if found guilty Wendy Francis seems set to avoid a jail sentence after Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner was told she is suffering from cancer and recently had a tumour removed.Mr Warner released the mother-of-three on bail at the request of defence lawyer Leo Mills, who said she needed to continue working in her job at a rest home.As well as 28 dishonesty charges relating to the credit cards, Ms Francis was also charged with stealing a Shih Tzu puppy on Christmas Eve: Liam, the $2,000 pet belonging to Bill and Marie Lusher, of St George’s, whose untimely disappearance sparked a Island-wide hunt.Ms Francis, 39, of Upland Lane, Warwick, has 22 previous convictions for dishonesty.She pleaded not guilty to all charges yesterday and, after Mr Mills said she had missed an earlier court hearing to undergo chemotherapy, Mr Warner said: “I’m not certain she would get a custodial sentence.“I don’t think it would be fair to remand her because records indicate she is a prolific offender, but a sharp remand isn’t going to stop her from committing these offences.”Her first three charges relate to a credit card she is accused of stealing from Marcia Talbot, the daughter of a woman Ms Francis was caring for.The prosecution says she used that card to obtain $222 worth of groceries in May and June last year.Another 25 charges relate to a credit card she is accused of stealing from Mary Winchell, the daughter-in-law of a woman Ms Francis was caring for.Ms Francis is accused of using that card to obtain $1,343 worth of goods between November 15 and November 17 from Gorham’s, Chopsticks restaurant, the Shoe Centre, People’s Pharmacy, AS Cooper, Shelly Bay MarketPlace, Autobahn Accessories, Noah’s Ark and TBA Wholesalers.Prosecutor Tawana Tannock told Magistrates’ Court Ms Francis had abused her position of trust as a caregiver for the alleged credit card offences.Regarding the alleged dog theft, Ms Tannock said Ms Francis had visited the Lushers’ home under the guise of taking photographs of their animals, which had been advertised for sale; they later discovered their $2,000 pet had gone missing.The media has previously reported how Liam the Shih Tzu became reunited with the Lushers three days after Christmas.The matter was adjourned to Friday, January 27, for mention. Ms Francis was granted $5,000 bail with one surety.