‘Incorrigible fraudster’ handed 40-month sentence

A woman from the United States (US) has been handed a 40 month sentence for defrauding more than £100,000 from multiple victims, including some classed as friends, in an “egregious breach of trust”.

Marianne Smyth, described by the judge as an “incorrigible fraudster”, was ordered to serve half of this sentence in custody and half under licence.

The 56-year-old, who has an address in Spa Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, was extradited from the US to Northern Ireland in July 2024 to face charges of theft and fraud.

Smyth was convicted on three counts of theft and three counts of committing fraud by abusing a position of trust, all committed between 20 March 2008 and 5 October 2010.

The jury heard that overall the victims, three married couples, had been duped into handing Smyth just over £115,000, none of which was recoverable.

The judge confirmed to Downpatrick Crown Court that Smyth will be deported back to the US, reflecting the time she spent on remand in America.

“It is clear from the evidence presented at trial that you are a skilled fraudster, practised in inveigling yourself in the lives and financial affairs of others, expert in deception and indifferent to whether the victims are friends or strangers,” said Judge Sandra Crawford said.