Woman tricked lover into believing she was pregnant TWICE using fake baby bump – and even threw gender reveal party
A WOMAN tricked her lover into believing she was pregnant twice using a fake baby bump - and even threw a gender reveal party.
Libby Vernon, 23, spun a web of lies to her partner when they first met online in 2023.
She claimed she was pregnant with her "abusive" ex's baby and even sent a picture of a newborn with the caption: "Someone wants to meet you".
Despite the distance between their homes in Stoke-on-Trent and Cumbria, the new lover stepped up to raise the "baby" as his own.
But Vernon messaged him to say the baby had stopped breathing and doctors were carrying out CPR, Warrington Magistrates Court was told.
She later sent a fake death certificate for the tot - claiming it had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
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When Vernon and her partner met in real life and began having sex, she broke the news she was pregnant with twins.
The liar even told him at one stage she was in agony and sent a bloody photo claiming to have miscarried.
Vernon later assured him she had been "misdiagnosed" and her boyfriend's family rallied around as she threw a gender reveal party.
The deceit unravelled when the fake mum-to-be called him and said she had been rushed to hospital.
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Her partner raced to be by her side but was instead met by baffled medics who had no clue what he was talking about.
He was horrified to discover Vernon wasn't pregnant at all and had actually been wearing a silicone baby bump to trick him.
Vernon has now pleaded guilty to sending communication conveying false information and of sending false communication with intent to cause harm.
She also admitted sending a false certificate regarding registration of a birth or death.
Prosecutor Pamela Fee warned more charges could yet be added to what is already a "complex" case.
Ms Fee said the crown is unsure of Vernon's motives, adding: "It's something that we don't come across all that often".
Mike Woolaghan, defending, told the court that there were no guidelines in place for any of the offences Vernon had committed.
He continued: "This lady has no convictions at all. It's evident there is a lot more going on below the surface than appears.
"It's right to say there are no formal diagnoses of mental health issues or something going on that needs to be explored."
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Vernon was bailed on the condition she dies not enter Cumbria or contact the victim.
She will return to court for sentencing on March 19.
