Scammer Who Defrauded the RNLI of Nearly £27,000 Avoids Jail Sentence

A woman who fraudulently collected nearly £27,000 by posing as a Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) charity collector has been spared prison. Eileen McDonagh, 33, conducted over 3,600 transactions on the streets of Bath and Exeter before her arrest in 2023.

McDonagh pled guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation and one count of concealing or transferring criminal property in May this year. During sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, it was revealed that she deceived the public by fabricating a story about a family member drowning at sea to encourage donations.

She was seen wearing an RNLI lanyard and uniform as part of her scam to appear legitimate. One incident on May 25, 2023, in Bath was reported when a suspicious member of the public attempted to alert authorities and subsequently made a police report.

On another occasion, June 19, 2023, in Exeter, McDonagh claimed her grandfather had drowned. A victim intending to donate £2 via card reader was instead charged £20 without consent. McDonagh resides in King’s Avenue, Woodford Green, London, and is a mother of five children.

The court acknowledged the impact a prison sentence would have on her family but stressed that offending has consequences. The defense highlighted her lack of prior convictions, early guilty plea, and the time elapsed since arrest, requesting a suspended sentence.

The judge described the fraud as “shocking” and “sophisticated,” noting McDonagh’s mental health struggles during the offenses and her subsequent remorse. He highlighted her efforts to seek support through faith and family as positive steps toward rehabilitation.

Ultimately, McDonagh was sentenced to ten days of rehabilitation activity, an undisclosed fine, and a two-year prison sentence suspended, warning her the conviction would remain a profound burden.

Throughout the hearing, McDonagh remained composed, dressed in a navy blue blouse and slacks as the verdict was delivered.