Four of Fermanagh's most prominent criminals sentenced

(An edited version of this piece was published in the 'Sunday World' of April 5th)

A Judge at Omagh Crown Court has called a case “bizarre and unusual" in sentencing Fermanagh career criminal Paul Arthur Maye. Maye, Malcolm Woods, Patrick McDonagh and Kevin Rogers pleaded guilty to defrauding Gerald McDonald of £107,000 in a betting scam. McDonald was led to believe bets had been placed on his behalf. Then he was persuaded pay money to release his ‘winnings’.

According to a statement of facts agreed between prosecution and defence, the fraud began in December 2010. McDonald met McDonagh in an Enniskillen bar. McDonagh gave McDonald a tip on a “sure thing,” and Maye said he’d put £500 on for McDonald.

That horse lost. Next day, a man called ‘Charlie’ rang McDonald, claiming to be the horse’s trainer.  ‘Charlie’ claimed to have bet on another horse that supposedly won, netting McDonald £4,000.

Next day, McDonagh arrived by taxi at McDonald’s house, saying McDonald would have to pay to access his winnings. The two went to a bank in Enniskillen and McDonald withdrew £1,000 for McDonagh. He withdrew another £500 and paid Maye.

The following week, ‘Charlie’ rang twice. Firstly, claiming he had placed a £2,000 winning bet. Secondly, seeking £1,000 to release the winnings. ‘Charlie’ arranged to meet McDonald – but a young boy came instead, and collected the money.  

McDonald got no winnings. Next, ‘Charlie’ rang so say Customs had stopped him, seizing his jeep – and McDonald’s winnings. McDonald borrowed £1,200 to have the jeep released. McDonagh collected that money.

Then ‘Thomas Montgomery’ rang, claiming to be a Customs officer and to have McDonald’s cash. A ‘Brian’ also rang, offering to sort the matter. McDonald started paying him to do so.

The last caller called himself ‘Aja’. He persuaded McDonald to pay £60,000 to access the winnings, supposedly between £170,000 and £200,000. By the end of June 2012, McDonald had paid over £107,000, but received no winnings. A number of the various callers rang from Woods’ phone.

Giving judgement, Judge Ramsey said: “This is, on any point of view, a bizarre and unusual set of sentences.” It was unclear whether any of the callers existed. “There is no evidence this fraud was masterminded by another person not before the court, or by some of the accused” the Judge said. He noted, however, there was no application for the recovery of proceeds of crime.

The Judge said Maye has “a significant and substantial record for dishonesty,” but added “your role in the case is relatively peripheral.” He said Woods had “a considerable record which relates to offences of dishonesty.” Rogers had a “formidable record, with many offences of dishonesty.”

The Judge imposed an 18 month suspended sentence for conspiracy to defraud on 51 year old Maye of Sallys Wood, Irvinestown. He imposed the same sentence on 25 year old McDonagh of Briar’s Hill Road, Irvinestown for conspiracy to defraud and converting criminal property. He imposed a 12 month suspended sentence on 43 year old Rogers of Sallys Wood, Irvinestown, for conspiracy to defraud: along with suspended sentences of three months and one month for assaulting police in another incident. He imposed an 18 month suspended sentence on 48 year old Woods of Sallys Wood, Irvinestown, for aiding and abetting conspiracy to defraud.

Maye was ordered to pay McDonald £2,500 in compensation, and Woods £2,000. McDonagh and Rogers were ordered to each pay £1,000. After the hearing, Maye approached a number of police officers in the court and shook their hands.