Chesterfield addict went on New Year's Day spending spree with card she stole from car

Iona McGill stole the cards from a purse that had been left under the passenger seat of a car on New Year’s Eve last year, Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court was told on Wednesday, September 3.

On New Year’s Day, she then visited the Birdholme Service Station, in Chesterfield, on two occasions and the Ashgate Service Station, buying alcohol and other items valued at £81.57 with the card.

Prosecuting, Becky Allsop said that the cards owner had been notified by the bank later on the same day of the fraudulent activity and had been reimbursed by the Nationwide.

The complainant first made her own enquiries via Facebook before the police became involved, and when officers viewed security footage, McGill “could clearly be seen using the card,” she said.

McGill, 35, care of Wordsworth Road, Newbold, admitted three counts of committing fraud by false representation when she appeared before the court.

Mitigating, David Gittins said: “She is a drug user and she was with another person who is much more criminally active. She has come into contact with this card and used it at a number of petrol stations.”

Judge Jonathan Taaffe revoked a community sentence imposed by the court last year and imposed a new 12-month community order to include 12 rehabilitation activity days and a six-month drugs rehabilitation programme.

She must also pay £81.57 in compensation to the bank.

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