A first-offender student has been fined £900 for passing a string of fake £50 Irish bank notes in Angus and the north east.
John McDonagh used the counterfeit cash in seven different stores more than three years ago.
He has finally been dealt with at Forfar Sheriff Court having previously admitted the offences and been ordered to pay £350 compensation to the businesses.
McDonough, 26, of Dundalk, County Louth pleaded guilty to forming a fraudulent scheme and passing the Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland notes, which he knew were counterfeit.
An arrest warrant for the accused was previously issued
He initially appeared on petition in relation to the offence, which took place between July 18 and August 10 2017, before the matter was reduced to summary level.
I think a significant financial penalty is appropriate but will take into account the fact he is a first offender.
Sheriff Derek Reekie
The fake notes were handed over by McDonagh at the Co-operative, Alyth; Nickel & Dime, Forfar; Coral Bookmakers, Forfar; Scotmid, Inverbervie; R K Services, Montrose; Bervie Papershop, Inverbervie and Spar, St Swithin Street, Aberdeen.
A warrant was issued for his arrest in January 2018 after he failed to appear in court.
The accused was not present at Forfar when his case called for sentence before Sheriff Derek Reekie on Thursday.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said the notes had been recovered at the various shops.
Defence solicitor Billy Rennie told the court McDonagh was a first offender who is due to be married, but the wedding has been delayed by coronavirus.
“He was previously ordered to pay £350 compensation and that has been done,” he said.
Sheriff Reekie said: “This is a serious offence.
“I think a significant financial penalty is appropriate but will take into account the fact he is a first offender.”
