A FRAUDSTER who conned more than £12,000 out of 16 people by taking payments for designer handbags before leaving her victims empty-handed will not pay a penny in compensation.

Over the course of a year, Leoni Field, 30, took money from people, knowing she would be unable to provide the goods.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how from June 2017 she advertised designer handbags online, but failed to deliver.

On one occasion, a victim was sent a box which turned out to be “essentially empty”.

Another victim, who lost £750, said: “The crime has made me anxious and suspicious of people, as I saved up the money after battling breast cancer to buy myself a reward.

“I’ve also suffered with depression as well as anger.”

Field, of Wakelin Close, Great Cornard, was arrested at Clacton police station in July 2018.

She later admitted 16 counts of fraud by false representation.

Hector MacLean-Watt mitigating, said his client intended to admit her guilt from her first court appearance in 2019.

“This is not something she has been used to, this has been hanging over her head now for two years just in court alone,” he said.

He said a pre-sentence report had established Field as having a low risk of reoffending, and further highlighted how Field had run a legitimate business but had suffered with a gambling problem.

“When she got into difficulties, she did do things, she began taking money from customers for orders she could not fulfil,” he said.

Mr MacLean-Watt said Field had committed the fraud as a “desperate” attempt to keep her business going and is caring for two young children while out of work due to the ongoing pandemic.

None of the 16 victims will receive compensation.

District Recorder Johnson imposed a two year community order, requiring Field to complete a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.

“Given that you are the sole carer of two young children and you are in receipt of state benefits, any sum you could possibly pay would only amount to a mere token to each of the victims here,” he said.

“So on that basis I have come to the conclusion it is not appropriate to award compensation.

“They deserve it, but you’re simply not in a position to make any meaningful payment towards compensation.”