A 20-YEAR-OLD woman advertised high-value items for sale on Gumtree and then pocketed payments without providing the goods.

Blackburn magistrates heard Nikila Thomas racked up bogus sales of more than £1,600 through her internet scam.

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But defence solicitor Richard Prew told the court he did not believe she was acting alone.

“There is no way on earth she would have concocted this of her own volition,” said Mr Prew. “She is terrified of admitting what has happened and who has put her up to this and it is my duty to put that forward,” added Mr Prew.

Thomas, 46, of Princess Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to seven charges of fraud by false representation.

She was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months with 30 days’ rehabilitation and ordered to pay £1,661 compensation.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said Thomas had advertised items such as a PS4 for £250 and an iPhone 6S for £300.