A 19-year-old woman who used a friend’s bank card to buy an Apple Watch and iPhone upgrade without her knowledge has admitted a fraud offence.
Workington magistrates’ court heard Danielle Devlin was initially allowed to use the card and its PIN by her trusting pal — then a work colleague — to buy food.
Devlin was also given permission to use the account details to formally open an O2 account, but only on condition that no money was withdrawn.
However, the friend then found sums of cash, varying between £50 and £300 had been taken without her consent. In addition, a £199 Apple Watch, £292 iPhone upgrade, a case for the device and a portrait drawing had been purchased unlawfully by Devlin, whose offending totalled £1,182.05.
Devlin denied wrongdoing when initially quizzed by police but made admissions when interviewed a second time.
“This has affected my anxiety. I felt like I couldn’t think properly,” the victim had said in an impact statement. I don’t like leaving my stuff in the staff room any more. I feel like I can’t trust anyone.”
Devlin admitted fraud by false representation during a two-week period between August 17 and September 2 2021.
The court heard Devlin had been struggling financially at the time and then buried her head in the sand when making early denials, said her lawyer, Ryan Foley.
“She is extremely sorry for her actions. By virtue of her offending she loses her good character,” he said, adding: “She does wish to repay the money which is owed.”
Magistrates adjourned the case and asked the probation service to prepare a background report. Devlin, of Westmorland Road, Hensingham, was bailed and will receive her punishment in due course.
