An Andover woman has avoided jail after committing fraud by taking out credit cards in the names of her ex-husband and son.

Connie Barrow, 50, of Highfield and Picket Piece, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, October 22, after pleading guilty to four counts of fraud.

Barrow’s crimes, which took place between 2021 and 2022, involved applying for four credit cards—three in her son’s name and one in her ex-husband’s—leading to a total debt of around £9,500.

Lucie Taylor, prosecuting, told the court that Barrow had been married to her ex-husband for 25 years, during which the couple faced money-related disputes.

At the time of the offences, their son was attending a university.

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The fraud came to light after her ex-husband grew suspicious about a loan and her son discovered unfamiliar credit cards during a credit check.

The court heard that Barrow’s actions left her son saddled with debt, with her ex-husband paying back at least £4,500 of the total owed on his card, while her son was forced to repay around £2,000 across multiple cards.

In mitigation, Barrow’s defence counsel, Isabella Glendenning, argued that her client had been under financial strain, but she was remorseful for her actions, particularly regarding the damage caused to her relationship with her son.

Ms Glendenning claimed that Barrow’s financial difficulties stemmed from insufficient support from her ex-husband, leading her to commit the fraud out of desperation and stupidity.

Sentencing, Judge T Webb acknowledged the financial strain Barrow faced but sentenced her due to the abuse of position of trust as a wife and mother.

The judge said: “Your ex-husband was hospitalised with anxiety because of this. Your son had some difficulties with credit check because of what happened. As we all know it is already a difficult environment for young people to get mortgages and climb the housing ladder. And you made it even worse for him, unfortunately."

While deciding on the sentence, the judge considered Barrow’s role as a business owner and the primary caregiver for her two younger children, aged 16 and 18.

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Originally facing an 18-month custodial sentence, Barrow’s punishment was reduced to 10 months, which was suspended as a community sentence due to her guilty plea, the realistic prospect of rehabilitation, and her responsibilities as a mother.

Barrow was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend 10 rehabilitation activity days.

Due to her financial situation, no compensation was imposed, but she was required to pay a victim surcharge.