Heidi Jane Sutton pleads guilty to defrauding Facebook Marketplace buyers
A woman who was caught red-handed swindling 10 people on Facebook Marketplace in dodgy phone deals has been told her methods were ‘calculated’ and ‘repeated’.
Police & Courts
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A woman has been caught out in a scam where she duped 10 people out of thousands of dollars on Facebook Marketplace.
Heidi Jane Sutton’s modus operandi or method stayed the same in 2022 where she would advertise a mobile phone for sale and ask the buyer to send either a deposit or the full amount to her bank account. She then completely ghosted them.
Her deception was heard in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday after her pleas of guilty to 10 counts of fraud by dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
Police prosecutor Val Crossley said the 25-year-old used the social network site to conduct the scam which was “prolonged and repeated” and did so in a “calculated manner”.
Up to 10 victims were swindled by Sutton to the overall sum of $4474.
Acting Senior Sergeant Crossley said there was no remorse shown by Sutton, who did not assist in the administration of justice or even offer to compensate her victims.
The court was told the 25-year-old did not respond to messages or calls by police to be investigated and even denied the allegations. She instead blamed a friend.
Defence lawyer Jamiee Burns said the mother and console operator, who was on maternity leave, presented to the court with no criminal history.
Ms Burns said the swindle came in the context of a bad year in 2022 partnered with financial hardship, where she contracted Covid, lost her job and experienced isolation during the pandemic.
The solicitor said Sutton was in a domestically violent relationship at the time however had split with this former partner. Her lawyer said the South Tamworth woman was remorseful.
Magistrate Rod Madsen said it was “significant and persistent” offending but acknowledged she was suffering financially at the time.
Sutton was handed a four-month wholly suspended jail term. She must pay back the money she scammed however this was referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry.
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Originally published as Heidi Jane Sutton pleads guilty to defrauding Facebook Marketplace buyers
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