Brighton woman tricked strangers out of hundreds in city centre

Shona Stiles, 36, told strangers that she needed money to escape a boyfriend but was unable to withdraw any as she did not have a bank card.

When strangers handed over up to hundreds of pounds, she then used a fake banking phoneline to make them believe that they would get the money straight back.

Sussex Police investigating officer Santa Keise said: "Multiple victims were preyed on and had their kindness taken for granted by Stiles.

"She repeated her charade time and time again, and we believe that there may still be further victims who have been affected by her persistent acts of deception.

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  "You can get in touch with us and report any further information either online or by calling 101 quoting the reference: 862 of 16/11.

  "We thank those who assisted our enquiries, allowing us to swiftly take Stiles off the streets."

  Stiles, of no fixed abode, was arrested on November 27 and charged with seven counts of fraud and one of theft.

  She pleaded guilty to all counts and was sentenced to six months in prison.