A woman from Swindon has recalled the worrying experience she and her husband had when encountering a convicted fraudster last year after recognising her in the Swindon Advertiser.

Hazel Scott, 67, and her husband Nigel, 68, were in the Sainsbury’s car park in Bridgemead when they were approached by a woman they now know to be Charlotte Branford, a convicted fraudster who conned people out of money at petrol stations along the M4.

She was given a criminal behaviour order and banned from three M4 service stations at a court hearing earlier this month.

Recounting their experience in November, Hazel said: “She asked if we were driving and after we said yes, she mentioned that she had been recycling but dropped her keys into one of the holes.

“Then she told us that Sainsbury’s wouldn’t be emptying their bins until next week.”

The couple, of Rodbourne Green, asked the stranger where her own car was, to which she responded that it was across the other side of the car park.

“She then asked if we were able to give her a lift home and we were surprised, but we obliged,” said Hazel.

Swindon Advertiser: The unassuming couple gave the stranger a lift to West Swindon.The unassuming couple gave the stranger a lift to West Swindon. (Image: Getty)

During the ride home, the couple say they began to grow suspicious of their passenger as she made odd remarks before being dropped off at her destination in West Swindon.

“We gave her the lift and when she was in the car she was very chatty,” said Hazel.

“She then started to say the oddest things though, even making a remark about how small my feet were.”

The couple say they recognised the surprise passenger when they saw her face on the front page of last Friday's Swindon Advertiser, as Charlotte Branford.

Swindon Advertiser: The front page of the Swindon Advertiser on Friday, January 20.The front page of the Swindon Advertiser on Friday, January 20. (Image: Swindon Advertiser)

She has since received a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order following an investigation by Thames Valley Police.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing against Branford during Hazel and Nigel's car ride.

“It was a very worrying experience for both myself and my husband,” said Hazel.

“If I had been alone then I would not have done that.”

Branford, of Godolphin Close, had previously used a fake story to get money out of unassuming members of the public.

She pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation offences when she appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 12.

Swindon Advertiser: Charlotte Branford is now banned from visiting three fuel stations along the M4.Charlotte Branford is now banned from visiting three fuel stations along the M4. (Image: Wiltshire Police)

“We thought that we would do our good deed but looking back there is no way that we should have done that,” said Hazel.

“After seeing her in the news I certainly felt a little wiser. We gave her the benefit of the doubt but people in the future should definitely watch out!”