[A] MOTHER-of-four who turned to fraud to buy her children Christmas presents has been sentenced by a judge.
Christina Russell, 38, received a suspended jail term in June, 2016. This was handed down for a money laundering crime she committed while living in Barrow with her drug-dealing partner. He was locked up for six years for his offending.
But, in late 2016, Russell used another woman’s name and address to set up a catalogue account. Carlisle Crown Court heard she then bought more than £100 worth of clothing, make-up and console games.
Judge Peter Hughes QC noted she had obtained these items as Christmas gifts for her children.
Having admitted a fraud charge, Russell, now of The Gavels, Great Clifton, Workington, breached the suspended prison sentence.
But after hearing she would benefit from professional help, Judge Hughes imposed a two-year community order. This includes a 20-day rehabilitation requirement.
Judge Hughes enquired of Russell: “Who in their right mind resorts to fraud and dishonesty and the use of somebody else’s name and address to buy their children presents?”
