A FRAUDSTER used computers at a west Wiltshire library to make more than £800 by selling items he was never in possession of.

Matthew Robert Southey, 21, of Maddocks Hill, Warminster, was given an 18-month community service order when he appeared at Chippenham magistrates' court on Monday.

Southey admitted four counts of fraud including the false sale of two mobile phones to the value of £240, a motorcycle helmet worth £178.99, a Sony Playstation console worth £265 and an iPod Nano for £96.40.

On four separate occasions in August and November last year, Southey sold the items dishonestly using the internet auction site eBay, which he accessed using public computers at Warminster County Library, in Three Horseshoe Walk.

Wiltshire County Council said it is looking into the case and are trying to locate and delete his user profile so he is unable to access the computer service again.

A spokesman said: "The county council recognises that internet and computer resources are open to misuse and abuse. For this reason, users of library computers are required to agree to the conditions set out in an Acceptable Use Policy. This policy is intended to guard against misuse."

As well as the community service, Southey was ordered to complete 40 hours of voluntary service and pay £75 costs. He has also been given an 18-month supervision order.

Sue Wilkin, the team leader for Wiltshire Trading Standards, added: "It's difficult with eBay because you don't know who's selling to you. It is a problem and people do get caught out.

"If I was buying or selling on eBay I would want to be dealing with a reputable account and make sure that the payment process is secure. Don't give any information out at all except through a secure process."