Mandy Hendry found herself in court following the incident earlier this year
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A mum-of-three was promised a free holiday to Thailand if she brought thousands of pounds worth of cocaine back to the United Kingdom. Mandy Hendry was stopped by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport earlier this year.
She told them she thought there were 200 cigarettes in the large pink suitcase she had with her. Later, as she passed through the ‘nothing to declare’ gate, she admitted: “I actually do have something to declare – I think there is cannabis inside.”
Hendry, 35, has since pleaded guilty to the fraudulent evasion of the importation of a class B drug, namely cannabis. She told the court she had recently left an abusive relationship and was handed a suspended sentence.
Caitlin Stiles, prosecuting, told Manchester Crown Court Hendry was stopped with just over 20kg of cannabis, having travelled from Thailand to Manchester Airport via Doha.
Mandy Hendry outside Manchester Crown Court(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The total estimated value was £53,390, Ms Stiles said, adding: “The defendant said someone over there had packed her bag.”
Reading a statement from the National Crime Agency (NCA), the prosecutor said around 680 passengers had been arrested across the UK for similar offences, with 21 tonnes of cannabis seized by the authorities – a marked increase year-on-year.
The court heard that Hendry was set to receive £8,000, as well as her holiday and flights to the far eastern country. Ellie Watson, mitigating, said her client was vulnerable.
She was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression as a result of her last relationship, the court heard. Her former partner, who was not named, was jailed earlier this year for domestic violence offences, it was said.
Ms Watson said Hendry previously worked with children with special educational needs, though cannot now work due to the trauma she suffered.
Mandy Hendry outside Manchester Crown Court(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Ms Watson told the court that Hendry could be managed in the community and that 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, of Flanshaw Drive, was handed a jail term of a year and two months, suspended for two years. She was ordered to carry out 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirements; and 250 hours unpaid work.