Two money launderers, caught trying to smuggle drug cash totalling almost £300,000 in the bumper of their car, have dodged prison with suspended sentences.
They were watched by undercover investigators collecting the vehicle from two notorious Essex dealers – currently on the run from twenty-year prison sentences.
Carpet layer Anthony Leigh, 28, of Elmdon Road, South Ockendon and trainee electrician Louis Crawford, 22, of Southend Road, Rainham pleaded guilty to attempting to remove criminal property, namely £293,670 cash on August 2, 2010.
Prosecutor Mr Stuart Biggs told Croydon Crown Court (pictured): “This was drugs money and these two defendants were recruited to carry out the journey to Spain.”
The Seat Cordoba was observed leaving the home of one of the dealer’s in Werrington Road, Rainham and Leigh and Crawford were stopped en route to the Eurotunnel.
The vehicle was searched and the cash was discovered within a secret compartment hidden inside the bumper.
Both defendants denied knowledge of the money and waived all claims to it, but were observed the next day explaining what happened to the two dealers.
“That was probably the post mortem,” added Mr. Biggs. “The explanation to the two seniors as to what happened.”
Leigh and Crawford later claimed they believed the money only amounted to £10,000 and was for building work in Spain and the prosecution accepted this explanation.
“They were, however, taking an enormous risk it was more and they never looked inside the concealment,” added the prosecutor.
Driver Crawford also claimed he was offered the car for a discount if he completed the Spain run and Leigh had arranged insurance and purchased the Eurotunnel tickets.
Judge Simon Pratt told the defendants: “You have both come perilously close to starting sentences of imprisonment.
“What saves you is the prosecution accepting your basis of plea, where they accept you thought you were only taking out ten thousand pounds and neither of you had any idea it was drugs money.
“Those who ferry about criminal property must know they will be dealt with severely.”
Leigh and Crawford were both sentenced to ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to complete 150 hours community service and pay £500 costs each.
The drug dealers, a 62 year-old Rainham man and a 58 year-old Waverley man skipped bail during their trial and were sentenced in their absence.
They are still wanted and warrants have been issued for their arrest.
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