A Brighton woman who conned money out dozens of people by pretending to be a mother in distress has been sentenced for fraud.
Kim Raymond, 29, of Hollingdean Terrace knocked on doors around the city, especially East Brighton, and said she had run out of electricity and had a baby at home.
A police spokesman said: “She would then ask for around £10 to charge her electricity meter and generally had the key in her hand. She would also claim that she lived at an address nearby.
“These claims were false, but on many occasions residents gave her cash in the belief that she was genuine. These crimes played on the good will of members of the public, many of them elderly.”
On Wednesday last week, she appeared before Brighton and Hove Magistrates Court charged with a number of offences of fraud. She pleaded guilty to 13 offences and asked for a further 18 offences to be taken into consideration.
She was sentenced to a 12 month community order with a drug treatment and testing requirement. She was also ordered to pay £67 in compensation and £33 costs.
Sergeant Chris Lane of Hollingdean and Preston Neighbourhood Policing Team said; “If anyone ever enounters a similar scenario they should not be duped, but should tell the police as soon as possible, either via 999 if the person is present or by calling 0845 60 70 999 and reporting their suspicions.”
