Stupid News Story of The Day

(They could, and they did.)

"Catch Me If You Can" thief jailed

SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian woman nicknamed the "Catch Me if You Can" thief was jailed for four years on Friday after an audacious crime spree across eastern Australia.

Jody Harris, 28, taunted police to try and catch her, telephoning detectives and offering up false promises to turn herself in before police finally trapped her in a "sting" operation in July.

Harris pleaded guilty to 43 of 124 identity fraud charges after the eight-month fling. She was ordered to repay A$175,000 ($132,560) in compensation to banks caught up in her crimes.

Local media dubbed Harris the "Catch Me If You Can" thief after the movie in which actor Leonardo DiCaprio played a master conman.

Magistrate Allan Moore told Sydney's Central Local Court that Harris was intelligent but her scams were not very sophisticated.

"One would have to suggest strongly that this is a matter of greed by you," Australian Associated Press quoted Moore as telling the court.

Harris stole credit cards and identity documents such as driver's licences and tricked bank staff into giving her access to the accounts of at least 33 women whose identities she assumed.

Harris even rang some of her victims, posing as fraud police to ask for new personal identity numbers when the old numbers lapsed.

Harris is still wanted in Queensland and Victoria states and could face more charges there once her sentence in New South Wales has been served.

She will be eligible for parole in July 2010.

($1=A$1.32)