A PERSISTENT offender attempted to dupe a magistrate out of money days after being sentenced by her for similar offences.

Caroline Simpson, 35, appeared before the woman at Darlington Magistrates' Court in February, after a number of deceptions and was given a community rehabilitation order.

But days later, Simpson was back in court for trying to dupe the magistrate out of money, after calling at her home in Darlington.

She has since been given a five-year criminal anti-social behaviour order (Crasbo) for a string of deceptions.

Two days after the order was issued by Newton Aycliffe magistrates last week, Simpson breached the order. She is now serving a 14-day prison sentence.

Between July 2003 and February this year, she stopped motorists claiming to have run out of petrol, asked shoppers in Darlington town centre for money for food and went to several houses in the town saying she needed money to support her family.

Simpson was convicted of 25 deceptions or attempted deceptions, and admitted a further 23 counts, which were taken into consideration by the court when sentencing her.

In February, Simpson was given community rehabilitation orders on two occasions, before being served with the Crasbo. The conditions of the order mean she cannot ask for money or goods from strangers or neighbours, and is banned from entering private property without permission.

PC Graham Low, of Durham Police, gathered the evidence to persuade magistrates to issue the Crasbo.

"It took months to compile the evidence to get the Crasbo, but it sends a clear message to criminals in Darlington," he said.

"This is a perfect example of how it should work. They are very worthwhile orders."

Community Inspector Chris Reeves said: "I'm delighted with Graham's work in securing this order. It shows how effectively they are used where appropriate."