Judge says no prison for woman who committed frauds totalling more than £53k

A FROME woman who carried out two frauds to obtain more than £53,000 has avoided a prison sentence.

Debbie Hughes, aged 39, of Berkley Road, admitted the frauds and a third charge of possessing £32,510 proceeds of crime at a hearing in June.

Prosecutor Michelle Kafe said the first fraud occurred in Farrar Drive, Marlborough, Wiltshire, between November 20, 2023, and January 15, 2025.

Ms Kafe said Hughes dishonestly claimed the sums charged for work were reasonable, to make a gain for herself of £43,550.

Hughes then committed the same fraud in Quarry Rock Gardens, Bath, a residential park home community, between June 11 and September 13, 2024, this time to gain £9,800.

Also, on November 11, 2024, Hughes had possession of £32.510 cash from the proceeds of crime.

Passing sentence in Taunton Crown Court, Recorder David Chidgey made Hughes subject to supervision under an 18-month community order running until April 15, 2028.