A WOMAN who defrauded banks and credit card companies out of more than £21,000 has walked free from court.

Elizabeth Thomson obtained the sums by applying to four separate firms using the names of a friend from Balloch and her husband.

But despite the substantial amount involved – a total of £21,775.48 – she was spared jail when she appeared in court this week.

Thomson, 37, carried out the frauds on various dates between July 2013 and June of the following year.

Her solicitor said she had decided to apply for credit facilities to try and solve her own financial problems – which, at one point, had led to her living in a tent.

Thomson, who was listed in court papers as living at an address in Nottingham Road, Belper, Derbyshire, admitted four separate charges of using a false identity to obtain goods and services from companies across the UK.

The sums involved were £4,610.53 from American Express Bank in Brighton, £3,897.32 from Tesco Bank in Edinburgh, £10,206.33 from Sigma Bank in Solihull and £3,061.30 from Marks and Spencers Bank in Chester.

Her agent told Dumbarton Sheriff Court: “This is a very serious matter; she is aware of that, and she does show remorse for her actions.

“She is disappointed to have lost what was a friend, and realises the impact upon her – she hasn’t spoken to her friend since.”

Thomson was not in court when the case called on several previous occasions. On September 15, the presiding sheriff gave her one final chance to come to court and to attend her local social work office to enable a background report to be prepared.

She heeded both warnings, and the report was made available in time for the sentencing hearing on October 13.

Turning to an explanation for Thomson’s behaviour, her solicitor said: “She was experiencing financial difficulties, but accepts that is no excuse for her actions.

“Her financial circumstances are now stable, which wasn’t the case as recently as one month ago – in fact she spent a period of time living in a tent.

“She has struggled with depression and anxiety, but I would submit that she is able to be managed in the community.”

Thomson, the court heard, had made initial attempts to pay back some of the money through a debt collection agency, but had so far repaid only a small amount – around £1,100.

Sheriff William Gallacher said: “It’s a stark question: whether, given the extensive nature of what has been done, I can properly impose a non-custodial sentence.

“It’s a high figure involved, and a prolonged breach of trust. Had you any past criminal history involving offences of this nature I would have found it imperative that I send you to prison.

“You haven’t, and you have accepted your responsibility, and I’m persuaded that I can find another option.”

The sheriff told Thomson to carry out three hundred hours of unpaid work within six months, and added: “This is an alternative to a custodial sentence. If you do not comply it’s inevitable that you will be sent to prison.”

Thomson’s pleas of not guilty to three offences of a similar nature against Next Directory (£764), Express Gift Co (£203) and Barclaycard (£904.71) were accepted by the Crown at a previous hearing.