A fraudster who slashed more than £5,000 worth of Victoria’s Secret underwear with scissors to collect thousands of pounds in dodgy refunds, must pay compensation for everything she damaged.

Patricia Phillips, 52, was caught at Bluewater Shopping Centre in April at the end of a three month spree during which she scammed four different branches of the famous lingerie chain.

Phillips, of Blackmore Road, Stondon Massey in Brentwood, Essex, would cut them with scissors before searching out identical items in the shop and damaging them as well.

Staff were then unable to offer her a straight swap when she fraudulently presented the display items for a refund.

Having admitted four counts of criminal damage to property and four of fraud by false representation at the different stores, Phillips was sentenced at Dartford Magistrates’ today. 

She was ordered to pay £5,436.50 compensation for the damaged stock, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60.

Phillips must also carry out an 18-month community order, including a requirement to attend a thinking skills course.