Winsford woman who opened bank accounts in daughter's name given suspended prison sentence
The court heard the victim found more than £18,000 of debt in her name
A woman from Winsford who opened multiple bank accounts in her daughter's name has been sentenced.
Karen Leahy appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 16th October.
She was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for 24 months.
The 57-year-old, of Dalefolds Lane, Marton, had earlier pleaded guilty to 11 counts of fraud by false representation.
What the court heard
The court heard that between 2015 and 2024, Leahy opened multiple bank accounts in her daughter's name without her knowledge.
The victim only became aware of the offences when she tried to access her finances.
She discovered there was more than £18,000 of outstanding debt in her name.
She also found she had two County Court Judgements against her, despite never having taken out any finances herself.
The victim reported the matter to Cheshire Police and Leahy was arrested.
Police said Leahy created multiple fake email addresses to carry out the offences.
Police response
Detective Constable Vickie Wallace, of Northwich, spoke after the sentencing.
She said: "This case has had a lasting impact on the victim, not only has she been betrayed by her own mother, but she has also been unable to get any loans or other personal finances, in order to purchase items for her and her family."
She added: "I hope that the conclusion of this case, and the sentence handed to her mother will provide her with some closure and allow her to move forward with her life."