Eileen McDonagh, 33, has been spared jail after defrauding the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) of nearly £27,000 by impersonating a charity collector. Over several months, McDonagh carried out more than 3,600 fraudulent transactions on the streets of Bath and Exeter before her arrest in 2023.
During her May court appearance at Bristol Crown Court, McDonagh pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation and one count of concealing and converting criminal property. She fabricated a story about a family member drowning at sea to manipulate the public into donating money. As part of her deception, she wore a genuine RNLI lanyard and uniform.
On May 25, 2023, a vigilant member of the public in Bath grew suspicious and tried contacting the police after observing McDonagh collecting money. This report eventually led to her arrest. On June 19, 2023, in Exeter, McDonagh claimed her grandfather had drowned and persuaded a man to donate £2 via card reader—only to secretly charge him £20 instead.
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McDonagh, a mother of five from King’s Avenue in Woodford Green, London, faced a difficult sentencing hearing. The judge acknowledged the impact incarceration would have on her children but emphasized that criminal behaviour carries consequences regardless of personal circumstances.
Her defense pointed to her lack of previous convictions, her guilty plea at the first chance, and the time elapsed since her arrest as reasons to seek a suspended sentence. McDonagh also expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for her actions.
During sentencing, the judge called the case “shocking,” condemning the sustained and sophisticated nature of the fraud. He acknowledged McDonagh’s mental health struggles at the time and noted she has since sought help through family and faith.
Ultimately, the court handed down a suspended prison sentence of two years, alongside ten rehabilitation days and an unspecified fine. The judge warned that the conviction would remain a serious burden for McDonagh moving forward.
Appearing in court calmly dressed in a navy-blue blouse and slacks, McDonagh remained composed as the sentence was pronounced.