A US podcaster and author has expressed satisfaction after Marianne 'Mair' Smyth, known as the 'Queen of the Con', was found guilty of defrauding four people in Northern Ireland of more than £115,000. Johnathan Walton, who was himself scammed by Smyth in Los Angeles, said the verdict shows that 'these people are literally everywhere'.
Smyth was convicted by a jury at Downpatrick Crown Court of swindling victims while working as a mortgage adviser between 2008 and 2010. One victim gave her £72,570 for a buy-to-let property that was never purchased, while three others handed over £43,000 for non-existent high-interest accounts. She fled to Los Angeles as authorities closed in.
Walton, who documented his own experience in a podcast and book, helped track Smyth to Maine, USA, leading to her arrest in February 2024. She was extradited to the UK and convicted after a four-day trial. The jury deliberated for just 20 minutes before reaching a guilty verdict.
Smyth's sentencing is set for 16 October. Her lawyer said she may face immediate deportation to the US upon release. Walton, who travelled to Northern Ireland for the verdict, said he felt 'justice has been served'.
