A wholesome conwoman who swindled £34,000 from her ex by pretending she wanted life-saving encephalitis therapy has narrowly escaped jail.

Marta Szymanska, 43, duped James Andrews into believing she had the harmful brain-swelling situation with a 50-50 probability of survival, even getting a male buddy to name him on Christmas Day masquerading as a surgeon.

Chester Crown Courtroom heard how over two years she roped in a string of various males to ring Mr Andrews posing as docs and demanding personal medical charges – even as soon as claiming she had miscarried a child.

Mr Andrews, of Chester, ended up suicidal, borrowing cash from family and friends and practically misplaced his home because of the rip-off and by the point he found Szymanska was wholesome, she had blown the cash on alcohol.

This week Szymanska, of Blacon, Chester, confronted 4 years jail after admitting 10 fraud expenses however as an alternative was freed with a 20 month suspended jail sentence after probation officers cited her “troublesome childhood.”

Choose Steven Everett advised her: “You conned Mr Andrews in a very subtle and merciless approach pretending that you just have been in poor health and pretending that there have been difficulties.

“He accepted what was being stated and was getting letters purporting to be despatched by docs persuading him at hand cash over.

“With out hesitation he handed the cash over. It’s clear nothing is left and I strongly suspect most went on alcohol.

“This was a really imply offence. You settle for what you probably did was mistaken and there may be some regret. You’ve got your probability. I recommend you’re taking it.”

Her rip-off started in 2021 after the couple cut up up following an 5 yr “on-off” relationship the place the sufferer cared for her, even washing and bathing her.

Prosecutor Will Griffin stated: “The 2 remained in touch following their separation in February 2021, however in September she referred to as Mr Andrews saying her employer had run away with out paying her wages.

“Mr Andrews despatched £820. The defendant persistently stated that she would pay the cash again.

“Between October 2021 and July 2023, the complainant obtained quite a few communications from the defendant or these performing on her behalf that she was very in poor health and required life-saving medical therapy.

“A ‘Dr Jahavar Singh’ claimed she required lifesaving medical therapy as she had encephalitis of the mind and been positioned in an induced coma.

“He claimed that he himself had paid out of his personal pocket and requested for Mr Andrews to pay the prices to later be reimbursed by NHS England.

“The defendant referred to as each few days thereafter asking for more cash for treatment and therapy.

“In December 2021 Mr Andrews obtained a phonecall from somebody claiming to be a nurse referred to as ‘Eva’ who stated that the defendant’s compensation and incapacity profit have been due.

“On Christmas Day 2021, Mr Andrews obtained messages and a cellphone name from a male claiming to be ‘Dr Singh’ and saying that extra treatment and injections have been required and that fee for these was due.

“In one of many cellphone calls with somebody claiming to be the defendant’s physician, Mr Andrews was advised she had a 50:50 probability of surviving. He had additionally been advised that she had had a miscarriage.

“Mr Andrews obtained emails in 2023 from faux NHS and Residents’ Recommendation Bureau accounts to assist the defendant’s false claims and provides causes for why the cash had not been returned to him as promised.”

The courtroom heard in 2023 Mr Andrews lastly found she was mendacity to him when he obtained a cellphone name from a social employee who advised him the defendant was bodily properly and didn’t have any medical situations.

The prosecutor added: “Mr Andrews now describes the concern that he felt and the best way he was depressed and misplaced weight on the time when he was consumed by suicidal ideas.

“He accrued money owed in consequence and needed to borrow cash from family and friends. He misplaced pals. He practically misplaced his home. Some nights he couldn’t afford meals.”

Szymanska, with a earlier conviction for biting a policewoman throughout a bust up at a police station, gave a ‘no remark’ interview when quizzed concerning the fraud.

She was additionally required to finish 150 hours unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation exercise, a 12 months of psychological well being therapy programme and banned by a restraining order from contacting Mr Andrews indefinitely.”