A woman, who stole over £13,000 from her husband by gambling online has avoided being sent to prison.

Marife Cox (40), with an address of Belturbet Road, Killymackan, Derrylin was convicted of theft after she stole £13,002.17 between April 26, 2018 and September 5, 2018.

The court heard the money had been taken from the injured party’s personal bank account after the 40 year old registered his card to her own Paypal account and proceeded to lose money on gambling websites. The discovery was made when injured party’s card was rejected due to insufficient funds.

During interview Cox made full admissions to the allegations and that she had no permission from her husband to use his cards and the cards were taken from his wallet.

Ciaran Roddy, defending barrister for Cox, pointed out from the outset his client was ready to make recompense and said it was right to point out that while the pair were still living together they were very much living separate lives.

He said Cox’s behaviour was borne out of isolation and loneliness felt by the defendant who was out of work at the time and had no “extra curricular activities” to take part in.

Mr. Roddy said the 40 year old had never gambled in her life and this incident shows how quickly one can rack up an excessive sum in a relatively short period of time through gambling. 

The defendant had taken steps for this type of incident to not happen again and Mr. Roddy pointed out Cox had made fulsome and candid admissions to the allegations during interview. 

Mr. Roddy asked the court to deal with his client compassionately and said she was unlikely to darken the doors of the court again.

Deputy District Judge Anne Marshall said the offence was a breach of trust and a very serious matter.

She said guidance had been given by higher authorities on offending and custody should be considered in the first instance.

Judge Marshall gave Cox credit for her guilty plea at the earliest opportunity, how she assisted police and her previous good character. 

She said immediate custody would probably effect Cox’s work, childcare and paying compensation.
Handing down a six month sentence, suspended for 18 months, Judge Marshall said it was better for Cox to be in the community working and repaying rather than sitting in prison. 

Cox was also ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation to her husband and warned that if she breached her suspended sentence she would go to prison.