A SWINDON woman faces jail after she admitted conning hundreds of pounds from catalogue firms.

Susan Winter, 50, of Boundary House in Beechcroft Road, Stratton, pleaded guilty last week at Swindon magistrates court to seven charges of fraud.

The court heard how Winter had contacted Royal Mail and arranged for the post of her partner's estranged wife Eileen Thorne to be redirected to her address in Hawkins Street.

She then used personal details, contained in letters, to set up credit accounts with numerous firms including Next Directory and Littlewoods.

The victim only discovered the scam when she stopped receiving junk mail and contacted Royal Mail. Winter also asked for 53 similar offences to be taken into account.

The offences all took place between autumn 2001 and spring 2002.

Magistrates said they had to pass her to crown court to be sentenced.

David Poots, chair of the bench, said: "We believe that the maximum 12 month imprisonment sentence, which we have the power to impose, is not adequate."

In addition, four other offences, which could not be dealt with by magistrates, will be also go before the judge. These were: one charge of perverting the course of justice ; two of forging bank statements; one of evading liability

Winter was granted bail until today where she will reappear again.