A WOMAN who returned clothes to TK Maxx to con her way into nearly £200 in fraudulent refunds even though she did not buy the clothes from that shop has been ordered to pay back every penny.

Maxine Fitter, aged 48, of Worcester Road, Droitwich, denied three counts of fraud by false representation but was found guilty after a trial and sentenced at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Fitter attempted to return clothes she claimed were bought at TK Maxx, High Street, Worcester, on February 2, February 27 and March 16.

She managed to get £123.95, £14.99 then £54.97 during each of the frauds by false representation. The total amount was £193.91.

Kerry Lovegrove, prosecuting, said: “The items returned by the defendant were not the original items purchased from the store and have never been in stock.

"In each case, as refunds were obtained, the defendant has given a false name and address.”

Fitter claimed all items were bought legitimately from the store and returned because they were unsuitable or did not fit.

Rebecca Connolly, defending, said: “She is no longer in a marriage as a result of these offences.

"She is claiming £199 per fortnight in jobseeker’s allowance and receives £100 to assist from her eldest son who currently lives with her.

"She is of very limited means at the moment.”

She was given a six-month community order to include six months supervision and was ordered to pay back £193.91 to TK Maxx.

She was also ordered to pay £930 in court costs because of the extra work in preparing a case for trial. She will pay back the money at £5 a week.