A convicted fraudster who posted images of other people's babies on social media and claimed they were sick or dead in a bid to get people to hand over money has been spared jail.

Norwich Evening News: Kati Ringer was pictured leaving Norwich Magistrates Court after sentencing (Picture: Archant)Kati Ringer was pictured leaving Norwich Magistrates Court after sentencing (Picture: Archant) (Image: Archant)

Norwich woman Kati Ringer, 21, targeted two strangers, copied and hijacked their Instagram accounts and claimed the women's babies were her own.

Norwich Magistrates had heard she used the pictures of the babies – one who was premature and another newborn – on online sites she had set up asking for money.

She even claimed that one of the babies had died and she was trying to get money from people.

Ringer, who used the name Titanium Mumma on Instagram, said the baby had died after being shook by her dad who had molested her.

When challenged about her posts by the first victim Ringer became threatening towards the victim and claimed she would 'rape and harm the child'.

The court heard the victim had felt violated pictures of her child had been used.

She was also anxious as 'she did not know what the defendant was capable of and felt her child was at risk'.

The court also heard about a further case in which Ringer had used a picture of a premature child belonging belonging to a second victim.

The defendant used the image as her own profile picture and said she was using the image to fund treatment as the child was sick.

Again, when challenged by the victim Ringer messaged that she would find out where she lived and kidnap and kill her daughter.

Ringer was caught after police used controversial snooping powers, under RIPA legislation, to spy on her.

Ringer, who was in 2015 jailed for 23 similar offences, was on Tuesday (October 3) given a 30 week jail sentence which was suspended for two years after previously admitting two offences of sending a letter/communication/article conveying indecent/offensive message on March 28 and between March 19 and April 3 this year.

Ringer, of Soleme Road, Mile Cross, Norwich, was also made the subject of a two year criminal behaviour order which banned her from using any social media accounts.

Sentencing Ringer, who was tearful in the dock, Stan Chapman, chair of the bench of magistrates, said she must have understood the fear that she had put into two women by doing this.

He warned her that if she breached the criminal behaviour order she would be going to prison.

Ringer, who had suffered mental health issues, was also made the subject of a community order which included a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Ian Fisher, mitigating for Ringer, said the defendant had admitted the offences and deserved credit for her guilty pleas.

He said she had set about something that no normal, reasoning human being would ordinarily do.

He said she had no particular grievance or ill will towards the victims but lived a solitary and reclusive life meaning she lacked any ability to empathise.

As previously reported Ringer was jailed in 2015 for 23 similar offences. Basildon Crown Court was told she pretended to need money for her dead baby's funeral and also begged for cash to support a fictional sick child.

She also abused a number of victims over the internet, posting photos of their children accompanied by 'vile' comments, the court heard.