NORTH Albury woman April Emily Amanda Ehlers claims she found two counterfeit $100 notes in a gutter at Lavington near sporting ovals and thought “my lucky day”.
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Ehlers used the notes to buy items at two shops in Centro Plaza at Lavington on February 24 and received change.
She claimed when interviewed by Albury police that the notes were found in Dick Road when she was walking around drunk.
It was only after she saw news reports saying police were trying to identify the person who used counterfeit money that she realised they were fake.
But Albury Local Court was told Ehlers had tried to pass off a third note about the same time in Centro.
She selected three items worth a total of $23.95 and handed over a counterfeit $100 note.
The shop assistant refused to accept it realising it was fake and handed it back to Ehlers.
When police inspected the notes, it was obvious they were counterfeit and poor quality.
Ehlers, 24, of Wantigong Street, was originally charged with six counts of uttering and possessing counterfeit money.
But police laid two further charges at court relating to similar offences and she pleaded guilty.
Magistrate Brian Van Zuylen ordered a pre-sentence report.
He adjourned sentencing until May 12.
Ehlers spent $25 in one shop and received $75 change before buying a red dress and cap in another store for $70.
She told police during the interview that she “really wanted the red dress”.
Police obtained closed circuit footage from both shops and identified Ehlers as the person who passed the fake notes.
Officers spoke to her about 1.30am on February 28 at the APCO service station, but she denied any knowledge of the offences.