A Haverfordwest man who posed as a Christmas hamper salesman to steal money from unsuspecting customers appeared before magistrates last week.

Mark Evan Roderick John, aged 38, of North Court, admitted two counts of fraud by false representation between August 1st, 2010, and July 31st, 2011.

The court heard that John, who posed as an agent for Park Hampers Ltd, stole £360 from Angela Hall and Patricia Patton, who believed they were buying Christmas hampers.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said that for nine or ten years, John had been off work due to depression and anxiety, and had only just returned to the working world as a part-time taxi driver.

He said: “Mr John committed the offences out of desperation because of a lack of finances and lack of any form of credit backing.

“He was unable to get any loans, and had fallen on hard times. He desperately sought money, unfortunately in this case, though the wrong means.”

He added: “This was the lowest level of fraud, and one wonders how he even got away with it. But by keeping going, matters only got worse.”

Mr Webb said John was already making repayments to one of the victims.

Magistrates sentenced John to a 12-month community order, with an unpaid work requirement of 100 hours.

He was also ordered to pay £30 in compensation to Angela Hall, £305 in compensation to Patricia Patton, and £85 costs.