An Aberdeen woman who used a man’s debit card as he lay injured on the street was caught after going on an Amazon spending spree.
The dazed and confused man’s wallet vanished after he fell over and struck his head on the pavement following a party in the early hours of the morning.
It fell into the possession of Elizabeth Sweeney – and she wasted no time in using it.
The 33-year-old used his debit card just minutes later, at the nearby L&M Stores on Hutcheon Street, and quickly racked up a bill of almost £50.
An hour later, at 1.30am, she still wasn’t done and used the card to order more than £200 of beauty and fashion products from Amazon.
Man was left dazed on the ground
Fiscal depute Jen Pritchard told Aberdeen Sheriff Court her victim had stumbled and fallen on the ground at around 12.30am on January 28.
“He had been at his sister-in-law’s home socialising and got a taxi home, but on exiting the taxi he crossed the road and stepped onto the pavement,” she said.
“However, on attempting to do this he stumbled and fell, hitting his head and leaving himself dazed.
“He was lying on the ground for a period of time and realised only when he returned home that he had unfortunately lost his wallet.”
The man was later taken to hospital and it wasn’t until he returned home that he contacted his bank, who told him his debit card had been used just moments after his fall.
Gave address during spending spree
Sweeney spent £29.50 and £20.99 during two transactions at the corner shop.
An hour later she ordered a £227 haul of clothing and beauty products from Amazon, providing her home address for delivery.
“The man contacted the police to report the use of his card and was fully reimbursed by TSB,” the fiscal added.
“Amazon was able to cancel the order and delivery of the goods did not take place.”
Sweeney was also caught on CCTV using the card.
She admitted a charge of reset, two of fraud and one of forming a fraudulent scheme to use a stolen debit card.
Woman ‘plagued’ by issues
Defence agent Paul Barnett said his client hadn’t been formally educated since the age of 10 and had various issues in her life.
“She comes from a turbulent background,” he said. “Her life has been particularly chaotic of late as she left an abusive relationship and was placed in temporary accommodation.
“She picks up keys to permanent accommodation soon and that will provide some stability in her life.
“Mental health issues and substance misuse have plagued her for many years.”
Sheriff Margaret Hodge handed Sweeney, of Froghill Avenue, Aberdeen, a one-year supervision order in the hope it will help her alleviate her drink and drug problem.
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