Ashington woman hit by internet fraud

Posted by The Journal on Jan 30, 09 11:46 AM in News

An internet fraudster pillaged a trusting woman's bank account after she told him her bank details.

Janette Patterson, 47, of Ashington, was visiting her cousin in the town when Wayne Johnson offered to help her buy a mobile phone online.

Johnson, 25, of East Lea, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, helped her use the JD Williams home shopping website and make a purchase.

But he kept her details and used her account number and password to go on a spree in which hundreds of pounds worth of goods were ordered from catalogue firms - which included JD Williams, Premier Man and Marisota - to be delivered to his own home.

Johnson used to go to Ashington Library and go online on a computer there to deliver his orders. Police removed a computer from the library and checked information on it as part of their investigation.

Today Mrs Patterson told how her credit score has been damaged and hoped her story would make others more careful with their personal information.

She said: "I hope this will help somebody else to watch what they are doing over the internet.

"People can use your name and they can make your life hell. I am not very good on computers, and I didn't realise information can still be held in the delete box.

"I became aware in December 2007 that he had my personal details and was using them. He was ordering clothes, phones and all kinds of things."

Johnson was given a six-week jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, when he appeared before magistrates at South East Northumberland Law Courts.

He had previously pleaded guilty to four charges of fraud and asked for nine similar offences to be taken in to consideration.

He had also admitted a separate shoplifting offence. He had denied a charge of possession of a four-inch locknife on the same date, but this had been proved against him.

Johnson was also placed on a nine-month drugs rehabilitation programme and given a 12-month supervision order.

He was warned by the magistrates that this was his "last chance" and he would be sent to jail if he breached his sentence.

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