Fraudster likely to be jailed
In total, between May and July this year, Cloke spent $87,433.10.
A 29-year-old Hamilton woman has admitted befriending an elderly man to steal his eftpos card and use it 279 times, clocking up nearly $90,000 in three months.
And it’s likely that Kelly Louise Cloke will be jailed for her crimes after she entered guilty pleas to 43 charges of using a document for pecuniary advantage in the Hamilton District Court on Monday.
Cloke stood with her back to the court as it heard how earlier this year, she befriended the victim by claiming to be his neighbour and on one occasion, took him grocery shopping.
She noticed his pin number and later stole the card from his house. Then she went on a massive spending spree, toting up purchases including a new car, a home-theatre system, jewellery, clothing, household items, a plasma tv and lounge suites. She also spent his money on stays in hotel rooms and gambling. In total, between May and July this year, Cloke spent $87,433.10.
When questioned by police, Cloke said the victim gave her his card and pin number and said she could use it as she pleased.
She told police that she maxed out the card every day on gambling.
Judge Thomas convicted Cloke and told her counsel Ted Walsh that a prison sentence was likely.
She was remanded in further custody to reappear for sentencing in November.