A woman who scammed ‘good-natured people’ has been banned from M4 services.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (12 January), 41-year-old Charlotte Branford pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation.
The defendant attended motorway service stations in Wiltshire and Berkshire – including Leigh Delamere, Chieveley and Membury – and asked people for money to pay for fuel.
However, the story given to members of the public she approached was false; she preyed on and took advantage of people’s good nature to make a financial gain.
Branford, of Godolphin Close, Swindon, has been issued with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) following the investigation – which was headed up by Thames Valley Police.
The CBO prohibits Branford from going to or entering the grounds of Leigh Delamere, Chieveley and Membury services, including the petrol forecourts.
It also prohibits her from approaching any member of the public to solicit money or goods using a false story within Wiltshire or Berkshire.
If the CBO is breached she can be arrested and brought back before the courts.
