A homeless man on benefits had more than £40,000 worth of criminal cash deposited into his bank account.
Francis Joseph Berry, 35 of no fixed abode but originally from the Wrexham area, was sentenced to 14 months in jail yesterday after admitting money laundering.
He initially denied the charge but changed his plea as the trial started at Mold Crown Court.
Sentencing him, Judge Niclas Parry said that Berry could have been sentenced to serve two years behind bars if he had not been pleaded guilty.
“Without people like you, serious crime would not be committed,” added Judge Parry.
Berry was interviewed by North Wales Police in June 2015 after a financial investigation which showed that unexplained deposits which had been paid into his bank account.
Despite him having no job and income aside from benefits, the court heard money in varying amounts had been paid into his account at monthly intervals over an 11 month period.
The total deposited into Berry’s account came to £40,600 but yesterday he was ordered to pay back the £22,585.21 found in the account at the time of the investigation within three month.
Detective Inspector Arwyn Jones of the force’s Operation Scorpion Team who tackle Serious and Organise Crime added: “This is another example of how North Wales Police will actively pursue criminals and will use the powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act to strip offenders of any property, including their homes, cars and cash that they possess,” said detective inspector Arwyn Jones of the Operation Scorpion Team, dedicated to tackling organised crime.
“We want the assistance of the public to bring these people to justice and any information will be taken seriously and appropriate action will be taken.”
North Wales Police Financial Investigator, Jessica Cunnah stated: “North Wales Police are sending out the message that those involved in criminality of this nature will have their assets taken from them when they are caught and convicted.”
Berry is currently in prison serving a two year sentence for wounding.
He had been due to be released from jail prior to yesterday’s sentencing but will now serve more time behind bars.
see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-man-jailed-after-having-10810622
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