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14
Aug
Man bought car with counterfeit money in Boroughbridge to pay off drug debt
A man used £600 in counterfeit notes to buy a car in Boroughbridge to help fund a drug debt.
Bailey Flint, of Whinmoor in Leeds, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (August 13) where he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Flint, 19, pleaded guilty to knowingly using counterfeit currency under the Fraud and Counterfeiting Act 1981.
Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, said the named victim in the case was selling a car in Boroughbridge when he was contacted by the 19-year-old offering to buy it.
The court heard that on February 4 this year, Flint met with the victim where he offered to pay £600 for the car. The man agreed to the offer.
Ms Tyrer said the victim then began filling in the DVLA transfer form, where Flint gave a false name of "Ted McOlly" and a fake address in Gipton in Leeds.
The prosecutor said:
The defendant then left. It was afterwards that he realises they [the notes] were counterfeit as some were able to be peeled off and they did not look right.
The victim tried to contact Flint, but the defendant blocked him, the court heard.
The incident was reported to police, who were able to find a photograph of Flint on file.
Ms Tyrer said a wanted appeal was issued and Flint was arrested on February 17.
The court heard that since the incident took place, a county court judgement has been handed to the 19-year-old ordering him to pay the victim £600.
Drug debt
The defence told the court that Flint was a young man and that he “accepted full responsibility” and was remorseful.
Flint had been told to purchase the car by someone who he owed a drug debt to, his defence said.
The court heard that the defendant had been given the counterfeit notes and ordered to purchase the car in order to write off his debt.
His defence said:
He did not stand to receive the car or any financial benefit. He feared repercussions.
Flint was now in full time employment and had managed to stay way from drugs, his defence added.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Flint will appear before Harrogate Magistrates Court on October 2, 2026.
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