A WOMAN who worked as an unlicensed conveyancer stole £19,500 from a client, a court has heard.

A judge told 59-year-old Doreen Conroy: “In my judgement you cannot lie straight in bed. You were a dishonest woman and you remain a dishonest woman.”

Conroy, of Stout Street, Leigh, had been operating as a sole trader under the name DC Conveyancing Ltd.

The victim, Paul Melling, was recommended to use her by his mortgage adviser.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that he used her services and successfully applied for a £53,500 loan.

On July 12, 2012, it was transferred to his solicitors and after they took their fee the remaining £53,272 was transferred to Conroy’s client account.

Two weeks later she transferred £33,5000.

When Mr Melling asked why it had not all been paid she said it was an interim payment.

She added that she would pay the rest soon but that her 'head was a mess' as her father had recently died, said Sarah Griffin, prosecuting.

After further weeks of chasing her for the balance she agreed to send it in two cheques, but when they arrived he correctly suspected they would bounce as the signatures were different.

He has still not received the money.

When Conroy was arrested the following August she was found to have debts, including £18,000 mortgage arrears.

When twice interviewed she denied dishonesty.

Investigation of her bank account showed that from when the money went in until she had emptied her account two months later there had been cash withdrawals, transfers to other accounts, direct debit payments and repayment to another client.

Miss Griffin said that the victim had debts and needed the money.

Conroy pleaded guilty to theft.

Sentencing her yesterday, Wednesday, to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years, Judge David Aubrey said he had decided to suspend it against his 'better judgement'.

He added that Conroy was not a reliable defendant and told her: “You will say anything to whoever is listening if it will assist you. I have seen through it and I have seen through you.”

Judge Aubrey said that the delay in the case reaching court was because of Conroy not admitting her dishonesty and not providing the necessary material so that her bank account could be examined by police.

He added that references suggested she is remorseful but said: “I do not accept that. If you were, the first thing you would be saying is I admit I have done wrong and I admit I was dishonest.”

Philip Martin, defending, said that Conroy, who has no previous convictions, accepts moral responsibility for the offence. He added that it was out of character and Conroy, who has heath problems, had intended repaying the money.