A POOLE man who contacted a mobile phone network and claimed to be his mother to fund online gambling and purchases has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds in compensation.

Joshua Sheppard appeared before district judge Stephen Nicholls at Poole Magistrates' Court charged with fraud by false representation.

The 25-year-old had contacted O2 presenting to be his mother so he could access the money.

Appearing in the dock on Friday, September 4, Sheppard admitted the offence, which took place on October 8 last year.

Judge Nicholls issued the defendant, whose address was given as Good Road, Poole, with a community order, which stated he must attend appointments and take part in activities with the probation service for 15 days. He must also carried out 80 hours of unpaid work.

The bench ordered Sheppard to pay a total compensation sum of £3,540.24.