A FRAUDSTER who scammed a woman out of £15,000 to write off a drug debt has avoided jail.

Shaun McManus, 26, targeted the stranger by pretending he was calling from TSB Bank on June 7, 2018.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court, prosecutor fiscal depute Victoria Keel said: “The victim was within her home when she received a telephone call from a male claiming to be from TSB Bank.

“He advised her that her account had been compromised and stated he would call her back on her mobile.

“A short time later she received a call on her mobile and answered it. It was the same man from TSB. He advised her she would have to transfer £15,200 into a specific account. The victim transferred this money into the account provided.”

Enquiries by Police Scotland later showed the account to be in the name of McManus, who removed the money deposited into his account and converted it into euros.

He purchased £2904 worth of euros at Debenhams Argyle Street on the same day of the fraud.

The following day, he purchased £2900 at eurochange in Buchanan Galleries. And on the same day at TUI Gordon Street, the accused purchased another £2900 worth of euros.

McManus, of Maryhill, attended at Govan police office by prior arrangement on November 26, 2019.

He was informed he was under arrest and an interview took place.

Keel said: “The accused responded ‘no comment’ to most questions. However, he did admit that he had committed money laundering offences. He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.” McManus’s lawyer told the court: “My client did not directly benefit from this. He carried out this offence with a view to having a drug debt written off.

“He was not the recipient of the funds. The banks do have a scheme where funds are repaid in instances like this, however that still leaves the bank out of funds.

“He recognises this caused considerable distress and anguish to the complainer. He does take full responsibility for his actions and hasn’t tried to excuse his involvement.

“He realises he has to address his cannabis problem and has already addressed the cocaine abuse.”

Sheriff Amel Elfallah told McManus: “This type of behaviour is appalling, and you were part of a well thought out plan to deprive this woman of her money. I understand you were not the ultimate recipient of the money but that does not matter.

“You can count yourself lucky this matter is before me and not elsewhere in a more serious court. My first thought was sending you to jail today however I take into account a number of factors. I have just been persuaded, very narrowly, that I can deal with this just short of a period in custody.”

McManus, who is a first offender, was ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work and be under social work supervision for 18 months.