Woman avoids prison for £25k postal fraud

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A CONVICTED fraudster who forged her husband’s signature three times to illegally secure a £25,000 loan may have suffered domestic abuse, a sheriff has heard.

Julia Webster conducted the postal scam in 2006 but was caught after a downturn in her personal finances meant she could no longer make repayments.

The Port woman — who is now being pursued for more than £30,000 based on the original debt — has avoided jail after her fragile mental health was highlighted in court.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton said: “There is objective evidence to support her claims of difficulties within the family over the years.”

The court heard that ‘misuse of alcohol’ by Webster’s husband may have led to ‘domestic violence’ within the home.

Sheriff Hamilton said: “Mrs Webster has had significant mental health issues of varying types.”

The original loan, totalling £25,100, was taken out against the security of Webster’s husband’s house.

Defence lawyer Edward Sweeney said: “The marriage is a marriage in name only. Mr Webster does not wish to see his wife imprisoned, albeit that he is the victim of a substantial crime.

“The loan was done by post. There were no checks and balances involved, and there was no requirement for identification. This was not particularly difficult to undertake and succeed at.”

Webster was caught when her husband opened a letter threatening legal action over failed repayments.

She told him that she was ‘sorting it out’.

But when another warning letter arrived she admitted taking the loan in his name and using his house as security — then told him to get a solicitor. The court heard previously that she had ‘not spent extravagantly’ and had bought ‘household items’.

Solicitor Mr Sweeney added: “Mrs Webster repaid the loan monthly over a number of years and then there was a change in her financial circumstances brought about by her mental illness.

“There is no possibility that the lenders can proceed to repossess the house.

“A civil action will be raised for the sums due with payment demanded from Mrs Webster.

“The prospects of recovery are...”

Sheriff Hamilton interjected: “Nil.”

He added: “No disposal I make can assist the lender.

“This has been an absolute disaster for Mrs Webster and her mental health.”

The sheriff told Webster that he was ‘not going to give any lecture here’.

He placed her on probation for two years and ordered her to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the community.