Thief Rachel Sparey used dating site to lure man to Premier Inn then stole £380

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Rachel Sparey, 35, met Scott Yardley at hotel in Swansea, south Wales
She took money from wallet as he showered and stuffed it into socks
Sparey admitted taking the money, which was returned to Mr Yardley
She was given a community order and told to pay £145

Published: 06:01 EST, 6 May 2015 | Updated: 08:37 EST, 6 May 2015

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Rachel Sparey, 35, (pictured) arranged to meet lonely heart Scott Yardley at a Premier Inn, before stealing £380 from him as he showered

A honeytrap thief stole £380 from a man she met on an online dating site after luring him to a Premier Inn hotel for sex.

Rachel Sparey, 35, arranged to meet lonely heart Scott Yardley at the hotel chain's branch in Llansamlet, Swansea after chatting to him online.

But as the would-be suitor took a shower, Sparey stole £380 from his wallet, stuffing the money into her pockets and socks before leaving the room.

Mr Yardley immediately called the hotel's reception, with police cornering Sparey as she tried to leave the hotel.

Appearing in front of magistrates in Swansea, Sparey admitted stealing the money and was given a 12-month community order along with a tagged curfew for six weeks.

The court was told that Sparey planned to meet Mr Yardley after they got in contact through the website.

'Whilst having a shower, Miss Sparey has taken the money out of his coat,' said Julie Sullivan, prosecuting.

The shocked failed Romeo rang the hotel's reception - and shortly afterwards police found Sparey with the £380 in her socks.

She was arrested near the hotel, and the money was returned to Mr Yardley - who had taken out the large sum to pay his household bills the following day.

Sparey told police: 'It is because I will not have sex with him.

'He just wants to disempower women. Are you going to arrest him?'

The court heard nervous Sparey had downed a small bottle of vodka before the date, which had affected her as she rarely drunk alcohol.

Sparey arranged to meet lonely heart Scott Yardley at the hotel chain's branch in Llansamlet, Swansea (pictured) after chatting to him online

As her would-be suitor took a shower, Sparey stole £380 from his wallet, stuffing the money into her pockets and socks before leaving the room

Appearing in front of magistrates in Swansea, Sparey admitted stealing the money and was given a 12-month community order along with a tagged curfew for six weeks

Mike Spring, mitigating, said: 'This was not premeditated, it was something she did on the spur of the moment. She now regrets it.'

Probation officer Ms Jo Steadman said: 'She would have spent the money on bills and food.

'While she receives benefits, that just about covers the basics. There is no spare money for luxuries.'

Sparey was also ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60.

Sparey was arrested near the hotel, and the money was returned to Mr Yardley - who had taken out the large sum to pay his household bills the following day