AN alleged fraudster scammed £120,000 from a film company by claiming she could provide direct access to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, a court has heard.

Ann Leuser is accused of using an actor to impersonate a member of the campaign team to swindle the British filmmakers.

3 Ann Leuser has missed three previous court appearances because of illness Credit: Central News

She is accused of blagging an all-expenses-paid trip to New York worth £3,400 to help filmmakers interview Clinton in 2015.

And the 56-year-old, of Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, is also accused of persuading the production company to hand over £120,000 in exchange for access to Mrs Clinton.

Ms Leuser is said to have conspired to trick TV and film producer Alison Birley, of Bongo Films and Hawkstone Films, between April 2015 and last January.

3 Ms Leuser is alleged to said she could get access to Hillary Clinton Credit: AP:Associated Press

The film company agreed to hand over four payments of £30,000, the court heard.

Ms Leuser appeared at City of London Magistrates Court today on charges of fraud and conspiracy.

Appearing on crutches, the court heard Ms Leuser had cried off from three previous court dates with illness.

Jennifer Sibdon, defending, said Ms Leuser is suffering from lymphedema and has swelling in both legs.

3 The City of London Magistrates Court referred the case to crown court because of the sums involved Credit: Getty Images

Prosecutor Taiwo Akinrowo said the case should be referred to a higher court.

He said: "This is a serious fraud. It is a sophisticated fraud over a sustained period of time."

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The case was referred on to Inner London Crown Court where it will be heard on March 9.

No indication of plea was given and Ms Leuser was bailed to appear on March 9.

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