$5600 debt on mum

PLASTIC was not so fantastic for Chantelle Bonnie Purcell.

Atwo-and-a-half week spending spree with her mum’s credit card left the19-year-old with a 12-month jail term when she appeared for sentence in the Hervey Bay District Court.

Purcell, who is also known by the surname Turnbull, was released immediately on parole.

Crown prosecutor Ken Spinaze said Purcell had committed the offence out of greed rather than necessity.

The teenager used the Westpac Mastercard more than 80 times during April and May this year.

She racked up more than $5600 of debt in her mother’s name, buying luxury items at several Hervey Bay businesses.

Purcell lived it up in hotels and bought herself expensive clothing and handbags.

She bought a large amount of alcohol, paid for cab fares and even bought herself a new pet with the credit card.

But the fun came to an end and Purcell was charged with more than 80 counts of fraud and stealing.

She pleaded guilty to all the charges.

Purcell now has a criminal conviction and a jail term hanging over her head.