Money mule who was used by ‘sinister criminals’ given probation

Belfast woman Amanda Jacqueline Roy was given 12 months probation for taking part in a scam to pay off her drug debts.

The 44-year-old, of Mayflower Street, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and three counts each of fraud by false representation and receiving stolen goods.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard she committed the offences over a three-day period in April last year.

Roy was allegedly picked up at her home and given cheques for £3,700, £3500, and £2,500 which had been stolen from a male victim.

She lodged them into a bank account in the city before the amounts were to be withdrawn later.

Prosecutors confirmed the victim has since been reimbursed in full.

Defence barrister Richard McConkey set out his client’s history of mental health problems and substance misuse.

He said she had become involved to pay off drug debts.

The court also heard Roy carried out two shoplifting offences at stores in the city.

She stole £21.83 worth of groceries from a Russell’s convenience shop on the Albertbridge Road in May, 2019, as well as goods valued at £9 from The Range at Connswater four months later.

District Judge Peter Magill told Roy the cheque scam could have led to a prison sentence.

“People like you are used by much more sinister criminals in order to defraud large sums of money,” he said.

But based on her admissions and personal difficulties, he instead imposed the probation order.

Roy must also pay back just over £30 to the shops she stole from.