A woman left her family with more than £28,000 in debt after she took out mobile phone contracts in their name without telling them.
Laura Rowell, of Alexandra Road, Ashington, lived with her mother, father, and sister when she took out the phone contacts in March 2020. After taking out the contracts, the 28-year-old would then make some cash by selling the phones, a court heard.
Meanwhile, her family were completely unaware that a massive debt was building up in their names over a nine-month period since none of the money was being paid back for the contracts. In December 2020, Rowell's wicked scheme had come to light with her family owing a total of £28,535 to mobile companies, Chronicle Live reports.
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The police were informed of the scam that had been going on and Rowell was soon arrested. Now, the con artist is facing a prison sentence after she pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Claire Armstrong, prosecuting, said Rowell was living with her family at the time the offence took place. She added: "The defendant took out a number of phone contracts with mobile phone companies in the names of her father, mother and sister, then sold the phones and racked up debt in their name."
The court heard that Rowell's dad built up a debt of £12,127 while her mum raked up £9,075 and her sister £6,465. Miss Armstrong argued that due to the high amount of money involved, alongside the severe breach of trust, the cases should be sent to the crown court for sentencing.
Stewart Hay, defending, said Rowell had never been in trouble prior to the incident and was still living with her parents while paying them back at a rate of £266 a month. "She needs to see the mental health team," he said.
"She's of previous good character with tremendous remorse."
District Judge Paul Currer said while sending Rowell to Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing: "There is a large amount of money involved and a breach of trust. For that reason, I'm committing you to the crown court to be sentenced there.
"You will next appear there on November 10 at 10am. You are released on unconditional bail."
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