Deaf mate swindles $130k

Mike Pero feels sorry for the victims. Photo / Simon Baker

Mortgage broker Mike Pero says he feels "violated" by a deaf Christchurch woman who cheated more than $130,000 from the local deaf community by using his name.

Christine Ticehurst, 49, sent texts to close friends claiming to be from "Mike Pero" as part of a sophisticated plot to swindle them through a bogus housing development.

"It's unbelievable. I'm almost speechless," said the high-profile businessman.

"It's sad that someone would prey on someone less fortunate - though you can understand why they would trust someone with the same condition as them.

"It's bizarre and I feel almost violated by the fact that someone can use my good name and integrity to cheat people out of their money.

"It's very cunning and very smart, and I feel really, really sorry for these people."

Ticehurst stole $84,000 from close friends Debra Jamieson, 40, and Michael King, 37, to feed her alcohol and gambling addictions.

Speaking through an interpreter, Jamieson said the scam had ruined their dreams of buying a new home and left them penniless. They also feared for the futures of their two children.

"I really never thought someone from the deaf community would do something like that. We are a small community here and like a family - we support each other and play sports - and I just can't believe it.

"Now there's nothing we can do. Everything is gone and we are never going to get our money back. We just have to try and keep strong."

Jamieson said Ticehurst had convinced them to buy a house through a private builder she knew, who was building 13 houses. Once they were built, they could take their pick of their favourite house.

But after nearly two years without any progress, the couple became suspicious and confronted Ticehurst before approaching police.

"The last time we saw her she told me three times, 'I fooled you about the house. I fooled you, I fooled you'," said Jamieson. "She was crying and I got such a shock and she just walked out of the house.

"Christine has ruined everything."

Detective Gary Shaw, of Christchurch police, said a number of other people had come forward with concerns about Ticehurst in the last week.

Because their claims were not of a criminal nature, he urged them to lodge a complaint for a civil case.

Deaf Aotearoa NZ chief executive Rachel Noble said a lack of funding for interpreters means many deaf people look for help within the deaf community. A "serious" lack of resources means they often have to lean on others to get by.

"This reliance on others erodes the deaf person's independence and leaves them open to being taken advantage of," said Noble. "In this case, it shows the importance of ensuring finance educational programmes are accessible for deaf people."

Ticehurst pleaded guilty to two charges of obtaining by deception at the Christchurch District Court earlier this month, and is to appear for sentencing tomorrow.