Liverpool EchoApr 4 2013

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2013/04/04/members-of-liverpool-s-fitzgibbon-family-admit-drugs-and-money-laundering-charges-100252-33113501/

Brothers Ian and Jason Fitzgibbon both pleaded guilty to roles in an alleged plot to flood Merseyside with Class A drugs.

Ian Fitzgibbon admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and MDMA, the pure form of ecstasy, and money laundering.

Jason Fitzgibbon, 40, of North Sudley Road, Aigburth admitted conspiracy to import heroin and money laundering while their mum Christine Fitzgibbon pleaded guilty to money laundering. A money laundering charge against their dad, William Fitzgibbon, 63, was allowed to lie on file.

Jason and Christine Fitzgibbon were due to stand trial at Manchester Crown Court, along with four other defendants who all deny various drugs charges.

The prosecutions follow an investigation by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).

Ian Fitzgibbon, 38, of Heigham Gardens, St Helens had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

He denied conspiracy to import heroin and this charge was allowed to remain on file.

A charge of conspiracy to supply MDMA, which he denied, was allowed to remain on file.

Another man, Neil Harrison, 40, of Capella Close, Aigburth, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply MDMA.

Harrison, Christine Fitzgibbon, 60, of Edale Road, Mossley Hill, and both Fitzgibbon brothers will now wait for the conclusion of the other defendants’ trial before being sentenced.

The four who now face trial are Spencer Douglas, 44, of Budworth Drive, Woolton; Daniel Smith, 26, of Warren Road, Blundellsands; Joseph Caldwell, 53, of Ironbridge View, Toxteth, and John Anthony McNamee, 53, of no fixed address.

The prosecution is set to open its case on Monday.