A teenager who scammed buyers by pretending to sell a games console and other electronic devices on Facebook has been ordered to pay them compensation.
Finnley Mark Mapstone posted three items for sale on Facebook Marketplace in the summer and autumn of last year, taking the money but not giving the buyer the goods.
Mapstone, who was 17 at the time, posted a mobile phone, Dyson and a Nintendo Switch twice on the online selling platform, intending to make a gain of £345.
Having pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation, he was ordered to pay all of that back in compensation during a hearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
But the now 18-year-old, of Radnor Street in Kingshill, was also given a suspended prison sentence after admitting to one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and stalking.
The offences involved a “fear of violence and significant long-term impact on the victim”, court registers show.
He was given two sentences of 26 weeks and 18 weeks, both concurrent and suspended for two years.
During that time, he must complete 32 sessions of a programme requirement and 20 rehabilitation activity days.
A restraining order prevents him from contacting the victim for three years.
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