Mother, 26, ‘falsely instructed man he was the daddy of her baby for monetary acquire’, courtroom hears

A woman accused of falsely telling a man he was the father of her child has appeared in court. 

It is alleged that Beth Fernley, 26, committed fraud by leading Ryan Hampson to believe he was a dad. 

The 26-year-old is accused of fraud by falsely representing as she knew, or might know, was untrue or misleading intending to make a financial gain and/or cause loss to another or expose him to such a financial risk.

Fernley, of Wroxham Road, Great Sankey, Warrington, on Wednesday appeared in Liverpool Crown Court. 

She did not enter any plea to the offence. 

The alleged crime is said to have taken place between March 31, 2019, and May 1, 2021. 

Fernley’s barrister Tom Worsfold told the court that there will be a defence application to dismiss the case.

He added: ‘It is a slightly unusual case.’

Beth Fernley, 26, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court after she allegedly told a man he was a father for financial gain

Mr Worsfold asked that the Crown review the case including public interest.

He said that one of the matters was the scope of the charge.

Judge Andrew Menary, KC, the Recorder of Liverpool fixed a date for the application to dismiss hearing for March 18. 

A provisional date was fixed for a four-day trial to begin on October 29.

Fernley, who had four supporters in the public gallery, was granted unconditional bail.