Mum of three admits ‘I actually do have something to declare’ to airport officials

Mandy Hendry found herself in court following the incident earlier this year at Manchester Airport

A mum-of-three has appeared in court after admitting to airport officials ‘I actually do have something to declare’.

Mandy Hendry was arrested after being stopped by Border Force officials at Manchester Airport earlier this year after flying from Thailand via Doha.

After first passing through the ‘nothing to declare’ gate with a large pink suitcase, she told them “I actually do have something to declare – I think there is cannabis inside”.

She said she had been promised a free holiday to Thailand if she brought thousands of pounds worth of drugs back to the United Kingdom.

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Hendry, 35, has since pleaded guilty to the fraudulent evasion of the importation of a class B drug.

Hendry, of Flanshaw Drive, was handed a jail term of a year and two months, suspended for two years at Manchester Crown Court.

She was also ordered to carry out 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirements; and complete 250 hours of unpaid work.

Caitlin Stiles, prosecuting, told the court Hendry was stopped with just over 20kg of cannabis worth an estimated £53,390.

Ms Stiles added: “The defendant said someone over there had packed her bag.”

The court heard that Hendry had been told she would receive £8,000, as well as her holiday and flights to the far eastern country, for bringing the suitcase back to the UK with her.

Ellie Watson, mitigating, said her client was vulnerable. She was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression as a result of her last relationship, the court heard.

Her former partner, who was not named, was jailed earlier this year for domestic violence offences, it was said.

Ms Watson said Hendry could no longer work with children with special educational needs due to the trauma she suffered.

She added that Hendry could be managed in the community and that her mental health issues could be addressed.

“Many people offend in this way because they are desperate,” she added. “They know the risks involved, and feel they don’t have a choice.

Sentencing Hendry, of Wakefield, Judge Tom Gilbart said: “You were given a holiday in Thailand, there is no suggestion of coercion, though there is a suggestion of naivety.

“There has to be an element of deterrence, though you have a low risk of reoffending. I have reflected on the impact of others, your personal mitigation and the prospect of rehabilitations and after careful considering I believe the sentence should be suspended.”