A WOMAN is standing trial accused of conning her family out of more than £300,000.

Lynsey Mitchell has been charged with one count of theft to the tune of £108,519.40, and a further 18 counts of fraud, totalling more than £200,000.

Mitchell, 30, of Salvation Army hostel Booth House, is said to have carried out the offences between October 2010 and August 2013.

The majority are said to have been committed against her fiancee at the time, Derek Fortune and his brother, Richard.

A further £70,000 is alleged to have been taken fraudulently from her own father as part of a mortgage deal.

In addition to cash stolen, it is claimed debts were run up on loans and catalogue accounts which would then revert to the complainants.

Mitchell appeared at the court dressed casually and spoke only to confirm her name, age and address.

Pauline Lambert, prosecuting, told Swindon magistrates Court their powers would be insufficient to deal with the matter.

“The case is not suitable for this jurisdiction, involving as it does theft of £20,000 or more and breach of trust,” she said.

“The frauds are thought to be linked to the thefts.

“The allegations involve Miss Mitchell being engaged to Mr Fortune and able to access his and his brother’s bank accounts.

“She is accused of making unauthorised transfers from their bank accounts to her bank account and keeping the proceeds for her own use.

“There is also an accusation of defrauding her father to the sum of £70,000 by providing him with a series of misinformation to persuade him the money was required by her for a mortgage matter.

“There are also allegations of fraud by securing loans and catalogue accounts.”

Mitchel entered no indication of plea at the hearing on Wednesday after being kept on bail for 12 months before having the opportunity to face the charges, Gordon Hotson, defending, said: “Miss Mitchell was originally arrested for these matters in September of last year, and has been on unconditional bail.”

The chairman of the bench, Simon Crichton, referred the matter to Swindon Crown Court and Mitchell is due to appear in court again on October 3.