Marianne Smyth, 56, nicknamed the “Queen of the Con,” has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison for defrauding friends in Northern Ireland out of over £100,000 (~RM590,000) before fleeing to the US and posing as a fake heiress. Smyth, originally from Ballynahinch, Co Down, will serve half her sentence in custody and the remainder on remand, and is set to be deported back to the US.
Smyth was found guilty of three counts of theft and three counts of fraud by abuse of position at Downpatrick Crown Court. Between 2008 and 2010, she stole £72,000 (~RM424k) from one couple, £23,000 (~RM136k) from another, and £20,000 (~RM118k) from a third, exploiting her position as a mortgage adviser to gain trust and offer false investment opportunities. Police estimate the total sum defrauded at £135,000 (~RM794k), some of which was recovered.
The scam came to light after Smyth returned to the US, prompting her victims to report her. She was arrested in February 2024 and extradited to Northern Ireland for trial. During sentencing, Judge Sandra Crawford described Smyth as an “incorrigible fraudster” who continues to deny responsibility and shows little insight into the impact of her crimes.
Victims spoke of the lasting emotional and financial damage caused by Smyth, with one losing her home while raising two young children. Detective Constable Mark Anderson highlighted the complexity of the investigation, which involved coordination with US law enforcement. Smyth now faces deportation upon completion of her sentence.
