Facebook fraudster sold non-existent items online and even left one woman without a gift for her son for Christmas

A woman was ordered to pay back cash she fraudulently gained by selling non-existent items on social media.
By Sue Kirby
Published 21st Dec 2019, 08:00 BST
Updated 21st Dec 2019, 10:24 BST
The case was head at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.The case was head at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.
The case was head at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.

Lee-Anne Bothick, 32, of Arnold Street, Boldon Colliery, pleaded guilty to seven charges of fraud by false representation.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told that between October 18 and December 12, Bothick had said she had items for sale via Facebook, which did not exist.

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Reading from one of the victim’s statements, Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said: “I was extremely worried when I couldn’t get a reply as this was my son’s Christmas present.

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“I do not buy anything online now because this person has had that effect on me.”

Another said: “I am disgusted at her dishonest behaviour. It just goes to show you can’t trust everyone and it will certainly make me think next time.”

Peter Thubron, defending, said the reason Bothwick carried out the offences is because she had lost one of her two cleaning jobs.

She was given a 12-month community order and told to pay compensation of £519.18 as well as £85 costs.