A haulage firm boss who smuggled drugs and the equivalent of around £800,000 of cash into Ireland has been warned to expect a substantial prison sentence.
Thomas Maher admitted four drug trafficking and money laundering offences, involving conspiring to commit crime abroad involving Class A drugs and 900,000 Euros.
The 39-year-old, from Warrington, who appeared at Liverpool Crown Court from Walton prison via video link, will be sentenced on December 1.
Judge Brian Cummings, QC, who will not be the sentencing judge, told him: "Plainly on the face of it you are facing a substantial custodial sentence."
Maher, of Wiltshire Close, Woolston, admitted two offences of conspiring with others unknown to import Class A drugs into Ireland between March 28 and April 6 this year.
He also admitted two charges of conspiring with others unknown to transfer criminal property in Ireland between April 3 and May 11. One offence relates to 300,000 Euros and the other to 600,000 Euros.
Bespectacled Maher pleaded not guilty to conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm to a man named Ronan Hughes with intent in Ireland between April 21 and 29 this year.
Catherine Rabiotti, prosecuting, told the court that the pleas were acceptable to the Crown and the allegation of violence will be left to lie on the file.
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Judge Cummings further remanded the defendant in custody to await sentence.
Maher is the director of Thomas Maher Transport Ltd and New Hair Don't Care beauty salon in Fearnhead, Warrington.
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