A conwoman from Kilburn who tried to steal nearly £216,000 from Nationwide by posing as unwitting bank customers was jailed today.

Drug addict Samantha Jenson, 49, of Mapesbury Road, attempted to draw funds from nine different branches armed with fake ID, re-embossed bank cards, diaries containing personal details and stolen bank statements.

The Old Bailey heard Jenson was first arrested last May after failing to provide personal details to staff at a branch of the bank in Richmond.

However she tried to carry out three more offences while she was on bail.

Prosecutor Danny Robinson told how Jenson grabbed £24,851 and tried unsuccessfully to withdraw another £191,800 during the fraud spree.

He said: “Her tactic was to walk into banks with fake IDs baring her photograph and the names of her victims.”

Jenson has 28 previous convictions from 50 offences, including shoplifting, handling stolen goods, drink driving and failing to comply with court orders.

Laura Hocknell, Jenson’s lawyer, said her client was part of a much larger scam and argued her drug addiction rendered her less culpable for her actions.

She added: “During these offences, she was told what to do and what numbers to ring. “The people behind this chose her because she was the right age, right gender and ethnicity not to arouse suspicion.”

Jenson admitted ten counts of fraud by false representation.

Jailing Jenson her for two years and three months, Judge Wendy Joseph said: “The Crown accepts you were not the mastermind, but you knew how specific and extensive the operation was and you played your part in it.

“Not a penny of what was taken has been retrieved.

“I am satisfied that you were a major part of this fraudulent operation and that you are fully culpable for your actions.”