UEL student escapes jail over fake credit card
An architecture student who tried to buy more than £3,000 of designer clothing and accessories with a fake credit card escaped jail today.
University of East London (UEL) student Richard Quitaleg, 23, of Claughton Road, Plaistow, tried to dupe staff at luxury store Louis Vuitton, in New Bond Street, with a counterfeit American Express card and a bogus Californian driving licence.
He tried to buy clothing and a bag worth £3,005 in July last year.
Speaking at Southwark Crown Court, prosecutor Gavin Ludlow-Thompson said the shop assistant became suspicious after the American Express card was declined.
He said: “The defendant was found to have another fraudulent credit card and in an interview which followed made a full and frank admission as to his liability for the offences.”
You may also want to watch:
Tim Williams, defending, said the student had been approached at his university by “people who offered him the card and offered him a cut of the proceeds from this”.
He said: “He perhaps agrees with me this is the most stupid thing he’s ever done.”
Most Read
- 1 Jailed: Drug dealer who crashed into cab leaving passengers critically injured
- 2 Detectives release images after robbery in East Ham
- 3 Jailed: Manor Park man guilty of drug offences, but not machete murder
- 4 'Severe maladministration' by Newham Council in housing complaint handling
- 5 Man in hospital after fire at disused Forest Gate church
- 6 Blades, £25k and Class A drugs seized by police after car stop in Plaistow
- 7 £3m centre to reduce young adult reoffending to be set up in Stratford
- 8 Police investigate burglary and injury at 'cannabis' house
- 9 World Book Day: Notorious football fan 'Mr West Ham' sets record straight
- 10 Fire breaks out at Beckton superstore
Sentencing Quitaleg to six months in jail, suspended for 18 months, and ordering him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, Judge Anthony Pitts said: “You’re 23-years-old, obviously a bright and talented young man with a good career opening up in front of you.
“It is very surprising to see someone of your background and calibre committing what are serious offences.”
Quitaleg admitted fraud and possession of an identity document with improper intent.
