Social work boss struck off after our stolen car scoop

Apr 27 2008 By Russell Findlay

A SOCIAL work boss who ran a stolen car factory with her gangster lover has been struck off.

Jackie McIlhargey was banned for life after watchdogs found her guilty of misconduct.

The Sunday Mail revealed how McIlhargey - who helped children find foster homes - led a secret double life.

The 43-year-old raked in a fortune stripping vehicles of their parts and selling them.

She and partner Anton Smith, one of Scotland's most prolific car thieves, ran the scam from their £500,000 mansion.

McIlhargey was sacked from private care agency Fosterplus in West Lothian when they discovered her criminal racket. The couple operated a slick production line at their home in Plains, Lanarkshire.

Detectives believe Porsches, Mercedes and BMWs were stolen to order before being stripped for parts and their Vehicle Identification Numbers removed.

They were then shipped to Spain and sold to European gangs.

Smith, 42, was jailed for four years at Airdrie Sheriff Court last July.

McIlhargey got 300 hours of community service after being found guilty of resetting stolen car parts.

McIlhargey, who now runs a hairdressing and beauty firm with daughter Nicola, said last night: "I don't want to talk about this."

The Scottish Social Services Council said she "committed misconduct".