Jan.28, 2010, 00:00

AN EAST Grinstead man described as "a dangerous criminal" has been jailed for money laundering.

Robert Brett-Deans, 36, from Lewes Road admitted five counts of the offence at Croydon Crown Court on January 6.

At one point in the investigation, police found a sports holdall containing £70, 985.70 and 50,000 euros in a Porsche car at his parents' East Grinstead home, the court heard.

Brett-Deans was sentenced to seven years, five years and four years on three counts of possession of criminal property; five years for transferring criminal property and four years for converting criminal property, the sentences to be served concurrently.

The court heard that on March 17, 2007, police stopped a Ferrari car driven by Brett-Deans in Purley after it had failed to stop. They found £20,000 in a mixture of euros and sterling. Brett-Deans was unable to account for the cash and was arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

A search of a hotel room where he was staying in Brighton Road, South Croydon, revealed three bin liners containing £351,125.00 in sterling and 30,284.59 in euros.

When interviewed by officers from Croydon's financial investigation unit, Brett-Deans said he was looking after the money for a friend whom he would not name.

With the money found at his parents's home, the amount recovered was £421,165.70 and 80,284.59 in euros.

Police are now seeking to confiscate the money and any other assets deemed to be the proceeds of crime from Brett-Deans.

Detective Sergeant James Hallums from the investigation unit said after the hearing: "Brett-Deans was entrusted with a large amount of money to be used in criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. He is a very dangerous individual who would have used his connections with organised criminals to use the money to commit further criminal offences."

Detective Supt Fran Smith, in charge of Croydon CID, said the investigation was "a fantastic effort" by her officers.

"The result is that a dangerous criminal is behind bars and the sentence sends a message to those involved in similar activity and are caught that they can expect to face a long time in jail."