Chesterfield fraudster went on spending spree with ex’s bank card

A Chesterfield man who went on a spending spree with a bank card he stole from his former partner has been jailed.
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Christopher Stevenson took the card when he was drunk and turned up at the home of his ex in Outram Road, Chesterfield, earlier this month, Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court was told on Tuesday, March 17.

He spent a total of £69 on the card, said Becky Allsop, prosecuting, on items including a bus ticket and a mobile phone top-up.

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Stevenson, 41, of no fixed address, admitted fraud by false representation when he appeared before the court, as well as stealing alcohol from stores in Chesterfield on five occasions.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court, where Christopher Stevenson was sentenced.Chesterfield Magistrates Court, where Christopher Stevenson was sentenced.
Chesterfield Magistrates Court, where Christopher Stevenson was sentenced.

He also admitted breaching the terms of his post-custody supervision and failing to comply with a community order imposed in January.

The court was told that Stephenson had 200 recorded offences over 80 separate convictions, and committed his first crime 27 years ago.

Prosecuting, Becky Allsop, said: “They had been in a relationship for a couple of years which ended in November of last year.

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“He turned up at her house wanting to use the telephone. He fell over in the hallway and she told him to get out. Later, she couldn’t find her purse and he admitted taking it.”

Mitigating, Steve Brint told the court: “For most of his adult life he’s either been in custody or homeless. These are all low-level thefts and low-level frauds. For all of these offences it’s less than 100 quid. Alcohol has been his downfall.”

Magistrates jailed Stevenson for a total of 29 weeks and issued an indefinite restraining order against him not to contact his former partner or to enter Outram Street.

He was also ordered to pay a total of £96.73 in compensation. No costs or victim surcharge were ordered against him.