Business owners in Ballynahinch help stop fake notes gang

Business owners in Ballynahinch help stop fake notes gang

13 February 2019

A COURT has heard how fake bank notes used in shops in Ballynahinch helped track down a counterfeiting gang.

Seven men, including two brothers, were sentenced at Downpatrick Crown Court, sitting in Belfast last week, for what was described as a “sophisticated and highly organised” operation.

The money involved amounted to more than £560,000 and £510,000 in fake notes.

Andrew Eric Johnston (46), from Alveston Park, Carryduff, was jailed for 15 months, while his brother, Mark Johnston, from Glen Rise, Belfast, was jailed for 18 months. Half the sentences will be served in custody.

The brothers were described by Judge Paul Ramsey as being at “the centre of the operation”.

Five other men were given 12-month suspended jail terms. They were: Norman Charles Titley (34), from Abbey Park, Belfast; James Wallace 

Titley Robinson (25), from Forthriver Drive, Belfast; Gareth Gorman (28), from Queen’s Avenue, Newtownabbey; Samuel Terence Horner (49) from Bests Hill, Belfast; and Alan Thompson (28), from Breda House, Belfast.

The Johnston brothers and Gorman admitted making the fake sterling and euro notes, while the other four admitted spending the money.

The court was told a printing machine had been used to make the notes.

The scam was uncovered in November 2014 after shopkeepers in Ballynahinch became uneasy about the number of purchases being made in the town. Police were alerted and members of the gang were stopped in Newtownards.

Judge Ramsey said the operation involved the production of thousands of high quality fake bank notes.

He said: “There are clearly others involved in this operation who have not been made amenable.”

Describing it as a “complex and unusual” case, the judge praised police investigators for their diligence.

Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson said it was a “sophisticated counterfeiting operation”.

He added: “Not only does the manufacture of counterfeit currency adversely affect economic growth, it has a negative impact on the genuine local businesses who don’t receive payment for their goods.

“In addition, profits made from manufacturing fake notes may fund further criminal activity.”