Suspended sentences for two brothers-in-law involved in 'hare-brained get rich quick' scam

Two brothers-in-law who got involved in a 'hare-brained get rich quick' scam have been given suspended sentences at Derry Crown Court. 

Darren Kevin Iddon (49) with an address at Millet Terrace, Bury in Lancashire and Conor McNamee (29) of Summer Meadows in Derry both admitted a charge of fraud by false representation on a date between August 2, 2019 and August 5, 2020.

The court heard that in August 2020 McNamee was contacted about 'some form of ficticious business scam' in which a business would be created and employees registered who would then  be eligible for a rebate.

McNamee received the rebate of some £6,000 and Iddon received 30% of that.

Judge Neil Rafferty KC said that it was clearly a scam and 'was never going to result in them not being prosecuted '.

He described McNamee as 'a money mule' and Iddon as 'a money mule wrangler' whose job it was to ensure the mule did what was required. 

He said Iddon had come into knowledge of the scam and shared that knowledge with his brother in law.

Judge Rafferty said that it was likely there were others involved in a 'bigger picture' and there was more than likely 'an inside man'.

But the Judge said he had to sentence on what was in front of him. 

Iddon was sentenced to 16 months in custody and McNamee to 10 months.

The judge said that taking into account the delay in the case he would suspend those sentences for two years.

McNamee was given a restitution order for £4,000 and Iddon and order for £2,000.