South Yorkshire fraudster gets a chance after battling heroin addiction

A fraudster who used stolen bank cards has been given a chance after battling a heroin addiction.
By Jon Cooper
Published 26th May 2020, 10:58 BST
Updated 26th May 2020, 10:59 BST
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Sheffield Magistrates’ Court – sitting at Sheffield Crown Court – heard this month how Kimberley Royston, aged 30, of Osbert Drive, Thurcroft, Rotherham, admitted two counts of handling stolen bank cards and admitted three frauds by using the cards at a service station, a Premier Stores shop and at a Tesco.

Kirsty Pearson, prosecuting, said the cards were stolen after burglaries - which were not committed by Royston – and she was caught using them during low-cash transactions.

Royston also admitted failing to attend a court hearing.

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Pictured is Sheffield Crown Court which has been hosting Sheffield Magistrates' Court cases during the coronavirus crisis..Pictured is Sheffield Crown Court which has been hosting Sheffield Magistrates' Court cases during the coronavirus crisis..
Pictured is Sheffield Crown Court which has been hosting Sheffield Magistrates' Court cases during the coronavirus crisis..

Nick Ward, defending, said Royston had been given the cards by someone who asked her to go into shops in March, 2019.

He added she was homeless and has come off heroin.

Royston was sentenced to a 12-month community order with rehabilitation and a four-week curfew. She must pay an £85 victim surcharge.