Defendant represented by Kim Whittlestone spared immediate prison sentence after admitting theft and forgery
October 30, 2019
In a case defended by Kim Whittlestone from Exchange Chambers, a bride-to-be has been spared an immediate prison sentence after admitting theft and forgery.
Rachel Doran, 32, from Cumbria, was trusted with £11,160 collected by ex Chris Mahone and more than 30 of his friends for a stag party in Ibiza.
But she spent the cash and forged travel documents which were spotted by officials at Leeds Bradford Airport.
She was given a suspended prison term after admitting theft and forgery.
Carlisle Crown Court heard Doran, of Lamb Lane, Egremont, was tasked with booking flights and a hotel for the group in September 2017.
But she spent the money on herself and made efforts to recoup the funds through gambling and loans.
Doran admitted theft and forgery of a flight booking document between the couple’s engagement on 13 September, 2015, and 7 September, 2017, at Cleator Moor, where the couple had lived.
They were due to have married in December 2017, but split after her crimes came to light.
Kim Whittlestone, defending, said Doran had no previous convictions and “accepts full responsibility” for her offending.
Judge Nicholas Barker suspended a 15-month jail term for two years, and ordered Doran to complete 240 hours of unpaid work and rehabilitation.
She was also ordered to pay £3,600 in compensation.
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