Mandy Hendry, a mother of three from Wakefield, has appeared in court following an incident at Manchester Airport earlier this year. After arriving from Thailand via Doha, Hendry initially passed through the “nothing to declare” customs channel with a large pink suitcase. However, she then confessed to Border Force officials, “I actually do have something to declare – I think there is cannabis inside.”
Hendry was found carrying over 20 kilograms of cannabis, estimated to be worth £53,390. She admitted that someone had packed the suitcase for her and revealed she had been promised a free holiday to Thailand, along with £8,000, in exchange for bringing the drugs into the UK.
At Manchester Crown Court, Hendry pleaded guilty to the fraudulent importation of a Class B drug. The 35-year-old was sentenced to one year and two months in jail, suspended for two years. Additionally, she must complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities and 250 hours of unpaid work.
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Her defense lawyer highlighted Hendry’s vulnerability, explaining that she suffers from PTSD, anxiety, and depression as a result of a traumatic relationship with a former partner who was convicted of domestic violence offenses. Hendry, previously employed in working with children with special educational needs, is no longer able to continue in that role due to her mental health challenges.
Mitigation counsel emphasized that desperation often leads individuals to commit such offenses, noting Hendry’s awareness of the risks but feeling she had no other choice.
Sentencing Hendry, Judge Tom Gilbart acknowledged her naivety and the lack of coercion in her involvement. He stressed the importance of deterrence but recognized her low risk of reoffending and the potential benefits of rehabilitation, ultimately deciding on a suspended sentence.