Lad's credit card drug debt scam

Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court heard Connor Sheridan, from Norley Hall, withdrew cash and made electronic purchases using the card in order to get hold of cash.

The 19-year-old, of Calder Place, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and was told he must now pay back almost £4,000.

The court heard the offences took place between January 18 and January 22. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was represented by Glenn Anderton and Sheridan did not have a defence solicitor.

As the fraud victim was Sheridan’s uncle the case was classed as a domestic offence and the matter was dealt with by the magistrates rather than being sent to the crown court for sentencing.

The bench ordered Sheridan to pay £3,770 in compensation, with all other costs and penalties being waived due to the size of the payback needed.

He was also given a 12-month community order requiring him to complete a three-month drug rehabilitation course, a 15-day rehabilitation activity and 40 hours of unpaid work.

Sheridan appeared before JPs at Wigan magistrates earlier this week.