A “consistent and determined fraudster” has admitted using other people’s bank card details to pay for a Kendal hotel stay, and to hire cars.
As he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court last week and denied four charges, 59-year-old Ian Cullen‘s case was listed for trial in front of a jury later this year. Cullen was remanded in custody and his case was listed again today in front of Judge Nicholas Barker for a bail application.
That application was refused by the judge. But after the defendant spent a short time in private conference with his barrister, he was re-arraigned on the charges and entered guilty pleas to all four.
One offence occurred in mid-November last year. Court papers show Cullen made a false representation to a female by using a bank card in the name of another male to pay for hotel accommodation at Stonecross Manor Hotel, Milnthorpe Road, Kendal.
Cullen further admits using a bank card in the name of the same male, and one in the name of a female, to make separate false representations to Enterprise Rent-A-Car to hire a vehicle. These are said to have occurred on November 13 and December 7, respectively,
He also pleaded guilty to the possession of articles – various papers and documents containing the bank details of others – for use in fraud on December 20.
Earlier in the hearing, Judge Barker was given details about Cullen’s raft of previous convictions for fraud in several other areas of England. Many involved the use of other people’s card details to pay for hotel accommodation, and the purchase of food and drink.
Cullen was a “consistent and determined fraudster”, observed the judge, “who has rarely changed his method of operation or manner of offending; it is consistent throughout”.
Judge Barker adjourned the case for sentence, which is due to take place at the crown court on March 31, and Cullen was remanded in custody until that date.
