A DISTRICT judge has called a fraudster who used his girlfriend’s credit card to fund his obsession with dating websites “sad”.

Brendan Durran appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court this morning (August 26) and plead guilty to using the woman’s card to pay for membership to the websites, despite still being in a relationship with her.

Andrea Pitt, prosecuting, told the court how the 42-year-old, of George Street, Darlington, had racked up £1,300 in debt on the card after more than a year’s abuse from March 2014 to May 2015.

She explained how Durran used the card to pay for multiple membership fees which were small amounts but soon added up to the large sum.

The victim reported the matter to the police when she noticed the large amount on a credit card statement following a split from Durran and has now been re-accredited by the credit card company.

Michael Clarke, mitigating, said his client, who works in Darlington Argos’ warehouse, was in a relationship with the woman for more than six years and although he never lived with her, he would visit her house regularly.

“Her card was lying around in her house and he accepts he used those details on that card to access those sites,” he said.

“The relationship was in difficulties and he’s basically used the card on a number of occasions – it was a small cost per use and he was astounded when he was told the total cost.”

Mr Clarke said Durran was eager to pay back the money and admitted he had become obsessed with visiting the websites.

“He’s sorry for what happened and the relationship finished three months ago,” he added.

District judge, Martin Walker, said it “frankly beggars belief” that Durran had committed the crime over such a long period.

“I have got before me a man who’s rather sad rather than bad,” he said.

“I think it’s a mean offence because he takes the credit card from his girlfriend to seek out another partner.”

He added: “It’s more than just an insult; it has caused distress to her.”

Judge Walker gave Durran a conditional discharge for two years and ordered him to pay £500 in compensation to his ex-girlfriend and £180 in court costs.