Mum says ‘I really do have one thing to declare’ as she fingers in pink suitcase
Mum-of-three, Mandy Hendry, 35 was promised a free holiday to Thailand on one condition – but she ended up being intercepted by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport
A mother-of-three was lured with a free holiday to Thailand on the condition that she smuggled thousands of pounds worth of cannabis back to the UK. Earlier this year, Mandy Hendry was intercepted by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport.
She initially claimed to the officers that she believed there were 200 cigarettes in the large pink suitcase she was carrying. However, as she proceeded through the ‘nothing to declare’ gate, she confessed: “I actually do have something to declare – I think there is cannabis inside.”
Hendry, aged 35, has since admitted to fraudulently evading the importation of a class B drug, specifically cannabis. She informed the court that she had recently escaped an abusive relationship and received a suspended sentence, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Caitlin Stiles, the prosecutor, informed Manchester Crown Court that Hendry was apprehended with just over 20kg of cannabis, having journeyed from Thailand to Manchester Airport via Doha.
The total estimated value was £53,390, Ms Stiles stated, adding: “The defendant said someone over there had packed her bag.”
Reading a statement from the National Crime Agency (NCA), the prosecutor revealed that approximately 680 passengers had been arrested across the UK for similar offences, with 21 tonnes of cannabis seized by authorities – a significant increase year-on-year.
The court learned that Hendry was promised £8,000, in addition to her holiday and flights to the far eastern country. Ellie Watson, defending, argued that her client was vulnerable.
The court was informed that she had been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression due to her previous relationship. Her ex-partner, who remained unnamed, was imprisoned earlier this year for domestic violence offences.
Ms Watson stated that Hendry had previously worked with children with special educational needs, but is now unable to work due to the trauma she endured.
Ms Watson suggested to the court that Hendry could be managed within the community and her mental health issues could be addressed. “Many people offend in this way because they are desperate,” she added.
“They know the risks involved, and feel they don’t have a choice.
Sentencing Hendry, of Wakefield, Judge Tom Gilbart said: “You were given a holiday in Thailand, there is no suggestion of coercion, though there is a suggestion of naivety.
“There has to be an element of deterrence, though you have a low risk of reoffending. I have reflected on the impact of others, your personal mitigation and the prospect of rehabilitations and after careful considering I believe the sentence should be suspended.”
Hendry, residing at Flanshaw Drive, received a prison sentence of one year and two months, which was suspended for two years. She was instructed to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirements and 250 hours of unpaid work.
