A BRIDGWATER fraudster who ordered over £1,000 of goods under another woman’s name was foiled because the victim had redirected her post, a court heard.

Nicola Marie Kelly, 36, set up accounts under Paula Ashdown’s name shortly after moving into Ms Ashdown’s former home last July.

Last Monday Sedgemoor Magistrates’ Court heard Kelly ordered £1,183 of goods, but never received them.

The court heard this was because Ms Ashdown received redirected post to her new address informing her the accounts had been set up without her knowledge.

Police were informed and Kelly was arrested in September.

Kelly, now of Sedgemoor Way, Woolavington, pleaded guilty to six charges of fraud by false representation.

The offences took place between July 12 and September 13.

The court heard the offences had affected the Ms Ashdown’s credit rating and caused her distress.

In mitigation, Guy Adams said: “This was a poorly thought out effort to commit fraud. Clearly what she had overlooked is that the original occupier had redirected her post.”

He said Kelly had moved into the new accommodation with only the “bags she carried” and succumbed to temptation.

The court heard Kelly had received a caution ten years ago for an offence of a similar nature.

During last Monday’s hearing Kelly was ordered to carry out a six month supervision order and was ordered to pay Ms Ashdown £26 in compensation because she had felt the need to redirect her post for an extended period.