Internet scam woman admits fraud

The court heard Sheryl Johnson had large credit card debts

A woman who made more than £800 in an internet auction scam has been given a 12 months' supervision order.

Sheryl Johnson, 23, of Buchan Street in Derby, sold items which she did not have on the eBay website.

She had earlier admitted two counts of fraud and asked for 27 other cases to be taken into consideration.

Derby Magistrates' Court heard the items she claimed to be selling included DVDs, gift vouchers and fertility monitors.

The prosecution said she pocketed £828 from the scam earlier this year.

Police were able to trace her because she had given her victims her name and address to enable them to send cheques.

Deputy District Judge Caroline Goulborn said: "I am not making an order for you to pay compensation because of your precarious financial means."

The court heard Johnson had large credit card debts.