A FRAUDSTER travelled widely as he made full use of another person's cheque book and cheque guarantee card, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates heard that in the space of two days, Robert John Brown purchased goods in 26 stores in nine different towns, running up a bill of over £2,500.

But the court was told Brown was just the front man for an organised operation and his reward had been just £250.

Brown, 31, of Shear Brow, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to four charges of obtaining property by deception and asked for a further 22 similar matters to be taken into consideration. He was ordered to complete 220 hours community service and pay £750 compensation and £75 costs after the magistrates said they considered the offences to be extensive and well planned.

Margaret Duckworth, prosecuting, said that when arrested Brown claimed he had been given the cheque book and card by another man he refused to name.

He also claimed the offences had been committed with the full knowledge of the owner of the cheque book.

Richard Prew, defending, said it was with great regret that Woods came back before the court five years after his last conviction for dishonesty.

"This was an aberration on his part," said Mr Prew. "He was not the main planner behind these offences, he was the front man who bought the goods before handing them on to someone else. All he got for his troubles was £250."

He said Brown was trying to sort his life out and if he was sent to prison he would lose his job as well as the respect of his girlfriend.