A woman who regularly made up false stories about sick family members in order to obtain money from residents has been convicted of fraud.
Gemma Yates, 30, of Fairfield, Royal Wootton Bassett, pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation in a hearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on May 25th.
She has been given a community order with conditions to comply with a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement and a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement. She is also required to pay compensation of £80.
On March 21st, Yates knocked on the front door of a property in Royal Wootton Bassett, falsely claiming her mother was in the hospital and asking money for a taxi to visit her. She received £80.
Between December 30th, 2022, and March 5, 2023, Yates repeatedly visited another property in Royal Wootton Bassett.
On one occasion, Yates received £40 after visiting the property in floods of tears, stating her mother was in an intensive care unit and that she needed money for a taxi to get to the hospital. She received another £40. On another occasion, Yates convinced the victim to hand over their bank card and subsequently withdrew £20 in cash.
She was arrested and charged after being reported to the police.
PC Lucy Wright said: “Yates is a repeat offender who preyed on the victims’ generosity and kindness for her own gain.
“Her deceptive and fraudulent actions have had a significant impact on the community, particularly as many of her victims have been elderly.
“I’m pleased that she has been convicted of fraud and I would urge residents to continue to look out for neighbours and report any suspicious individuals approaching properties.”
