A FRAUDSTER who stole money from the account of a namesake has been jailed for nine months.

Richard Harrison, 45, of Berberis Walk, Colchester, pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court.

Harrison walked into Natwest on Colchester High Street on December 4 last year and withdrew £200 using details of a man also called Richard Harrison.

Using the same bank details he returned later the same day to withdraw another £500, and the same amount again on December 8.

The bank were made aware when the account’s real holder contacted them to report money being unlawfully withdrawn.

Natwest staff identified Harrison as the man responsible before contacting Essex Police.

Officers arrested Harrison on December 9 when he returned to the bank on a fourth occasion.

He was given nine months in jail.

Investigating officer PC Joe Daunt of the Colchester Community Policing Team said: "Harrison knew he didn't have sufficient funds to withdraw this amount of money yet he returned not once but three times to fraudulently take cash that was not his.

"He could have made bank staff aware that he suspected a mistake had been made, but instead he continued to be dishonest.

"We are thankful to the staff at Natwest who assisted in this investigation and worked with us to catch Harrison so swiftly.”