A BELFAST woman who forged passport applications with the names of dead people has received a three-month suspended prison sentence.
Bernadette McManus, 64, of Malone Beeches, admitted changing forms with the details of at least three deceased people.
Passport authorities in Belfast received two applications in the names of different women, both using McManus’ address, last year, the BBC reports.
They contained photographs, birth certificates and were countersigned.
McManus plead guilty to the charges of fraud and false representation and falsifying a births and deaths certificate at Belfast Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 18.
During police searches on her home a large number of documents were found, including more birth and death certificates and passport forms, one of which were written in the name of a third deceased person.
McManus admitted all of the charges but had not explained the reason for her actions.
Addressing the court, the defence said: "In many ways it's stranger than fiction. It's certainly a bizarre case and one that's difficult for anyone involved to get a proper explanation. She seems to have become slightly obsessed after what began with an experiment in her behalf."
The judge handed McManus a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and also ordered her to pay a £200 fine.
