A FRAUDSTER used his girlfriend’s bank account to get payday loans in order to fund a growing cocaine habit.

Antony Betchley took advantage of her trust to get loans worth a total of £1,500 leaving her to pay the bill, and the interest.

The 26-year-old admitted two charges of fraud by false representation at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

On July 1, he took out a £500 loan from Pounds to Pockets in her name and the same day he successfully applied for a £1,000 loan from Piggybank using her details.

Stephen Sparkes, prosecuting, told the court he told his now former partner he was having money paid into her account because of a problem with his and asked her to transfer some of the money to him.

She did not know they were taken out in her name until the payments started coming out of her account.

When he conned the companies, and her, he also gave continuous payment authority and she found £372 was removed.

Selena Dines, mitigating, said Betchley, of Campernell Close, Brightlingsea, had “a bit of a cocaine habit” and had tested positive when arrested.

District Judge John Woollard fined him £350 and £100 for the two counts of fraud.

Scaffolder Betchley was ordered to pay back £372 in compensation as well as costs and charges.