­A woman who was unable to pay usury debts raised about €30,000 by defrauding 103 people, a court heard yesterday.

Sarah Ann Gatt, 33, from Santa Venera, told the victims she could obtain electronic goods at hugely discounted prices. They handed over the money – as much as €2,000 – but got nothing, Police Inspector Ian Abdilla said.

He said Ms Gatt came up with the scam as she could not afford to pay debts she had racked up through usury.

Her husband was now finding ways and means to repay the money to those offered the appliances, he added.

Ms Gatt denied charges of fraud, misappropriation, relapsing and committing the crime during the operative period of a suspended jail term.

Defence lawyer Malcolm Mifsud requested bail on grounds that his client had fully cooperated with the police during investigations and the prosecution did not object.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti granted Ms Gatt bail against a personal guarantee of €3,000.