A string of deceptions ended in a prison sentence for a carer left depressed by an investigation at her workplace.

Kelly Fairweather, 24, of Meadow Way, Jaywick, was yesterday (Monday) jailed for three months by Colchester magistrates.

She had admitted obtaining pay by falsely saying she had no criminal convictions, dishonestly obtaining property worth £507, and three deception charges.

At a previous hearing she had also admitted theft, six deception charges and possession of two CS gas canisters.

Amanda Stear, prosecuting, said police found the CS sprays on top of a shelf at Fairweather's home. She told them she was looking after them for a friend.

She said a neighbour of the defendant was sent a statement for a missing Burtons store card showing six transactions worth £343.50.

The holder said she did not make the purchase and Fairweather admitted stealing the card.

Ms Stear said Fairweather also used an account in another person's name to obtain property worth hundreds of pounds from catalogues.

Peter Young, mitigating, said Fairweather claimed another person was involved with dishonestly buying property from catalogues.

He said Fairweather, who had worked as a carer since leaving school, started suffering depression because of the traumatic effect of an investigation at her former workplace.

He said she lost her job and ended up sleeping on people's sofas. leading to the first offence when she obtained clothing and bedding.

Mr Young said: "She is very ashamed by it," adding: "I would ask you not to impose any custody today."

But Colchester magistrates jailed Fairweather for three months.

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