A TELESALES operator for a cable television shopping channel used the credit card details of customers to steal more than £1,000-worth of goods from her employers.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Christine Clegg worked for the Liverpool-based QVC and stole the property to pay off the drug debts of her youngest son.

Clegg, 41, of Cambourne Close, Brookvale, Runcorn, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft and had nine similar charges taken into consideration.

Clegg was ordered to complete 180 hours' community service and pay QVC £1,029 in compensation.

Judge Denis Clark told her: "It was a grave, sophisticated, and thought-out theft from your employers.

"Your domestic life was fraught with problems, not of your own making.

"Your drug ravaged son, who was then out of control, is soon to be released from prison, his prospects good having weaned himself off drugs."

Alan Simms, prosecuting, said Clegg took customer orders for QVC but it became apparent from records and complaints that unauthorised purchases were being made using their credit card details.

Clegg's computer password was being used regularly and a search of her house recovered certain items.

Clegg said she mentioned her debts to colleagues who told her about a scheme apparently already in operation, and in which she took part, where goods were sent to addresses and then sold on.

Keith Sutton, defending, said that Clegg was a woman of previous good character.

Her initial problems began because her youngest son became involved in drugs.

Threats were made demanding money and further threats were made to the rest of the family, including her daughter.

The goods were sold on at vastly reduced amounts and her profit was £100.

She tried to get out of the scheme but was told her employers would be told an she resigned from the job because it was the only way out, Mr Sutton told the court.

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