A WOMAN has avoided jail despite fraudulently using the details of the previous occupant of her house to apply for store cards and car insurance.

Claire Whitehead, of Middlewich, appeared at Crewe Magistrates Court on January 23 where she was sentenced on a charge of fraud by false representation.

The court heard the 40-year-old had used the personal details of a woman who had previously lived at her Clive Way address to apply for various cards.

These included Argos, Jacamo, Fashion World and JD Williams among others, which were applied for between February 10, 2022, and July 1, last year.

Using these the cards - some of which were declined - Whitehead was able to purchase various items, one of which was a £492 iPhone.

In total, the vale of the items she bought came to £1,161.42.

Taking her guilty plea into account, magistrates handed Whitehead a 24-week jail sentence, but suspended the term for 12 months.

The court heard the sentence could be suspended as the bench felt the defendant had a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Whitehead must also complete up to 10 days of rehabilitation activity and pay compensation of £500.