A WOMAN spoke of her life being "invaded" after a single mum stole her identity and racked up catalogue company debts.

Melissa Sue Haughin, 35, opened mail meant for the previous occupant of a Workington house she moved into during 2014, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

Haughin used that woman's name, date of birth and a bogus email address to set up catalogue accounts after being refused credit herself.

After that began, Haughin initially paid bills she generated from buying children's clothing, electrical goods, furniture and Christmas gifts.

But in 2017, long-standing disability benefit payments were cut after reassessment, meaning spina bifida sufferer Haughin began "racking up" credit and interest payments she couldn't afford.

The court heard how a £1,027.87 debt was built up in the innocent victim's name. Haughin's criminal activity also meant the woman received "unpleasant" correspondence from debt collectors, "threats of bankruptcy" and she was the subject of a county court judgement.

Some letters, the victim said in an impact statement, had terrified her.

"It feels like her life has been invaded as a result of this act," prosecutor Beccy McGregor said.

There had been a detrimental impact on the woman's mental health and her family life had also been affected. "She felt people would start turning up at her door, demanding money," said Ms McGregor.

"She felt like a prisoner in her own home. She feared the worst."

The woman also said of the culprit: "Her behaviour and disregard for another person's life is phenomenal."

Haughin, of Bowness Court, Workington, pleaded guilty to fraud.

Addressing Judge Peter Davies from the court dock, she said: "I wish I hadn't done it. I really do."

After hearing mitigation and that Haughin was the single mother of three young children, Judge Davies suspended a 14-month prison sentence for two years.

Haughin must complete a six-month night-time curfew and rehabilitation. The judge also made a £1,027.87 compensation order for "identity theft" offending which, he concluded, was both "sustained" and "planned".