A woman who embarked on a callous campaign of dishonesty against vulnerable people has been jailed for four years.

Kimberley Plaskett, 27, of Holden Road, Workington was sentenced today for four counts of theft, five counts of fraud through false representation and one count of harassment.

The offences were committed against six people who were living in the Salterbeck and Harrington areas between December 2017 and July 2018.

One of the victims was a 70-year-old man and another was a woman who could not speak due to the effects of a stroke.

The court heard how Plaskett targeted vulnerable people, visiting their homes and asking for money.

Some gave small amounts to her on the understanding she would pay it back, which eventually amounted to hundreds of pounds.

One victim – a man in his late 60s who lived alone - was approached by Plaskett at his home. Plaskett said she could help the man if he gave her his bank card.

Plaskett then made numerous withdrawals over a period of months, amounting to a total of more than £1,500.

The harassment charge related to an incident where Plaskett went back to one of her fraud victims and began yelling at him outside his front door that he owed her money to feed her daughter, only leaving when he threatened to call the police.

However, it is believed her crimes were linked to heroin use.

Detective constable Mark Ayton said: “The defendant in this case embarked upon a callous campaign of criminal dishonesty and in doing so targeted some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“I would like to praise all of the victims and the many witnesses who came forward in this case. The fact that so many were prepared to give evidence is a testament to the great sense of community we have in the area.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of such crime to report this to the police. It is with the help of the community that we are able to identify offenders and take positive action, as we have done in this case.”