Jailed: Gambling addict who made £20,000 in online scam
A gambling addict who raked in more than £20,000 by offering goods for sale on the internet that didn't exist has been jailed for two years.
Lee Hinchcliffe used websites such as Gumtree, Facebook, Loot, Bargain Pages and Friday Ad for more than a year to advertise items for sale, including iPhones, iPads and concert tickets. More than 50 victims fell prey to his scam, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard.
His actions were discovered by police who traced his activity through emails, phone numbers and bank account details.
Hinchcliffe, 25, of The Willows, Welshpool, admitted five charges of making a false representation by advertising goods for sale that he did not have with a view to receiving payment when he appeared at court.
He also admitted a further 17 charges put forward by North Wales Police.
Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said: "A victim would respond to an advert on the internet for iPads, iPhones and concert tickets. Once the victim has contacted the defendant arrangements were made for the purchase of the items.
"Money was paid over but no property was ever received.
"The police discovered it was the defendant as he left a trail of email address, phone numbers and bank account details.
"He told police he was running a legitimate business advertising phones for sale but admitted he would sell them before receiving the phones from abroad.
"He said once the money was in the account he would order the phones from abroad but that would take some time.
"He knew he had made false representation as he said the phones would be received on next day delivery.
"That was not the case as nobody received a phone."
Hinchcliffe was said to have committed the offences on various dates between August, 2013, and April this year.
The court heard Hinchcliffe suffered from an addiction to gambling which was the route of his offending.
Sentencing, Judge Robin Onions said Hinchcliffe had committed a total of 77 offences.
He said Hinchcliffe has a record of 13 other convictions for similar offences.
Judge Onions said: "The court has bent over backwards to help you previously.
"I have a degree of sympathy for you as you have a gambling addiction which you fed by advertising goods for sale online.
"Over a substantial amount of time you have gained £23,582.78.
"People who lost their money are people who trusted you and had the misfortune to come across you.
"My sympathies go to your family as it must be a nightmare for them.
"No organisation can provide a magic cure. You must help yourself.
"I do believe you want to change but that has to come from you.
"It is up to you."
