A WOMAN who was being ‘chased by loan sharks’ fraudulently took £50,000 from a Covid support scheme to pay off her gambling debts.

Ying Hiu Choy, 54, lied about her business turnover to access the loan after money lenders reportedly threatened her family in China.

Prosecutor Helen Easterbrook told Bournemouth Crown Court that the defendant applied for the government’s bounce back loan, which was launched during the Covid pandemic to support businesses.

The scheme guaranteed loans, between £2,000 and £50,000, to eligible businesses.

On May 14, 2020, Choy claimed that she was eligible for the full amount and received the money on May 31.

She claimed her business made a turnover of £250,000 rather than the actual amount of £170,000.

From June 6 to September 20, the defendant took the cash over 85 withdrawals to pay off her £150,000 of gambling debt.

Judge Susan Evans KC said Choy prioritised paying off the loan shark, rather than HSBC, and then declared bankruptcy.

She added that the scheme was “vulnerable” at a time of national emergency and that Choy used the money for personal debts rather than business use.

Choy was reportedly pressured into completing the form by another person.

Mitigating, Jonathan Underhill, said the defendant is hard-working in her role as a chef and has no previous convictions.

“She is ashamed of her actions, so much so she has cut herself off from the community that might otherwise help her,” said Mr Underhill.

Judge Evans said the defendant withdrew cash daily to pay off loan sharks that were chasing her.

She said that although the government and HSBC cannot be described as vulnerable, she argues that the scheme itself was due to the turbulent times during the pandemic.

Judge Evans added that Choy does not have the means to pay back the £50,000 and that her payments of £130 a month would “barely cover the interest”.

She accepted that prison would be difficult due to her language barriers, but that immediate custody was the only appropriate form of punishment.

Choy, 54 and of Barrack Road in Christchurch, was jailed for 12 months after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said the force does not possess a custody image of Choy.