A woman has been spared jail after taking 'positive steps' in her life after laundering more than £70,000 for a drugs gang. Donna Robinson moved money for a gang dealing cannabis, due to be sentenced next month, Manchester Crown Court heard, amounting to £70,675.
Robinson, 42, had no previous convictions and was of 'good character' before she began a relationship with one member of the gang in 2019. From then she laundered money for the group which "she knew was aware was connected to drugs," according to prosecutor Neil Fryman.
He told the court that on one occasion she collected £32,000 off a man in Wrexham who had bought cannabis off her partner. At a later date her then partner asked how much money she was storing at his house, which totalled to £38,000.
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Messages between Robinson and her then partner showed him asking her to buy a cash counter, evidence which the prosecution said was proof Robinson was laundering money for the group. Robinson was arrested in January this year where she gave no comment to all questions in interview.
Richard Canning, in mitigation, said: " This offence was out of character and she has shown genuine remorse... The chances of her appearing before court again are very low.
"She has learned a salutary lesson and this has had a big impact on her life. She wishes to take positive steps to help others now."
Robinson, of Dow Street, Hyde, pleaded guilty to the offence of conspiracy to transfer criminal property, with members of the related drugs conspiracy due to be sentenced at a later date. She was sentenced to 13 months custody, suspended for 18 months, by recorder Michael Armstrong.
He told the court as Robinson wept in the dock: "It is accepted that one, you agreed to count the cash of £38,000 and two, bought a money counting machine at his (ex-partner's) request.
"You know the money counted and collected was part of the process of cannabis dealing. You were a willing participant at all stages.
"You have pleaded guilty to a serious crime. A crime which facilitates other crimes to be committed.
"This was more than an opportunistic one off offence, there was a degree of understanding of what was happening. Your role was significant as part of a group activity. £70,675 passed through your hands.
"At the time of these offences you were suffering with mental health issues. You have taken positive steps to improve your mental health.
"You show high levels of genuine remorse and a good understanding of the impact of this. You have turned this terrible phase in your life into a more positive one. There is a low risk of reoffending."
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