Judd forged his wife's signature to gain £25,000. Library picture

by Keith Hunt

An account manager committed mortgage fraud by forging his wife’s signature to obtain £25,000 and pay credit card debts, a court heard.

Steven Judd’s wife Tracey only discovered she was jointly liable for the amount paid out in 2006 after she started divorce proceedings last year.

Judd, of Ospringe Street, Ospringe, Faversham, is facing sentence after admitting obtaining a money transfer by deception.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the couple were together for 18 years and married for 14 years and have four children.

Mrs Judd moved into her husband’s home in Cyprus Road, Faversham, and was placed on the mortgage in 1988.

Prosecutor Keith Yardy said 40-year-old Judd, who works for vehicle tracking company Trafficmaster, paid the mortgage and his wife paid other household expenses.

"no doubt this has caused great distress to mrs judd. she had nothing to do with it. she trusted him and he broke her trust" – judge philip statman

Mrs Judd became concerned because she did not see any mortgage statements. Judd told her not to call the bank and he would deal with it.

“She was not suspicious at that stage,” said Mr Yardy. “Things came to a head in 2012 when she began divorce proceedings.”

She discovered the £25,000 was outstanding. Judd told her he had tricked her by getting her to sign an agreement. She found out the loan had been taken out in July 2006.

The bank advised Mrs Judd to contact the police.

Mr Yardy said there was no application for compensation because the amount would be realised when the house sale was completed.

When interviewed by police, Judd admitted he ran into trouble with credit cards and could not face telling his wife. He copied her signature for the mortgage forms.

Leon Kazakos, defending, said a letter had been written to Mrs Judd telling her she would not be financially disadvantaged when the house was sold, but she indicated from the public gallery she had not received it.

Judge Philip Statman adjourned sentence until tomorrow so written proof of Judd’s promise could be put before him.

“No doubt this has caused great distress to Mrs Judd,” he said. “She had nothing to do with it. She trusted him and he broke her trust.

“The criminality is he has obtained something in a thoroughly dishonest way and she is liable.”

Judge Statman said he would consider whether a jail sentence could be suspended.