Siblings escape custodial sentence because of publicity surrounding their fraud trial
TWO sisters who were busted after using stolen credit cards to pay for their boob jobs have escaped jail because of the publicity surrounding their trial.
Southwark Crown Court’ heard Rishona Downes, 25, Riffel Road, Willesden, and Ramona Downes, 27, Clement Close, Kilburn, were so desperate for bigger breasts that they flashed the dodgy plastic to pay for their operations costing �4,000 each.
Following the exposure about their scam, Rishona was sacked by her employers and their lawyer claimed that the press reporting had a negative effect on both women.
Sentencing them today (Monday) to a 12-month community order with 120 hours unpaid work, Judge Christopher Hardy said: “I have taken into account the adverse publicity that has affected you.
“There is a sensationalist interest surrounding your offence which the press were bound to grab hold of but it is the system of justice is open, where justice must be seen to be done.”
Jurors heard Rishona felt deflated after giving birth and Ramona wanted a bigger chest after her partner complained that ‘other girls had bigger t*ts.’
They paid for the operations over the phone using credit card details given to them by Bianca Joseph, 26, an American Express finance coordinator.
They went under the knife in September and October 2008.
Both sisters, who have a previous conviction for affray, denied any wrongdoing claiming they thought the credit card was legitimate.
Rishona as convicted of two counts of fraud, and Ramona of one count.
Joseph, formerly from Somerton Road, Neasden, admitted a conspiracy to defraud, fraud and possession of an article for use in fraud and will be sentenced on April 26.
A forth accomplice Kabichi Kabala, of Scarle Road, Wembley, admitted conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 100 hours unpaid work.
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