A 'HARD-WORKING' man who admitted money laundering had repaid the full amount to his two victims, a court was told.

Mold Crown Court in Flintshire heard father-of-two David Darrell, 51, admitted the transfer of criminal property resulting in two victims losing tens of thousands of pounds between them.

The money laundering arrangement between April 2015 and May 2016 stemmed from a scam in which the victims paid out more than £78,000, thinking they were investing in wine.

Barrister Brian Treadwell, prosecuting, said the frauds were persuasive and relentless in terms of both victims. One woman lost over £50,000 and an elderly man lost almost £30,000.

The court was told Darrell had borrowed money from a friend in Cardiff to repay the full £78,110, which had been confirmed by police.

Barrister Phil Tully, defending, said that showed a clear sign of regret.

The court heard Darrell, of Woodcutters Mews, Groundwell, Swindon, Wiltshire, moved the money from one account to another and when questioned by police he told them he did have some concerns.

The account of FMS Retail Ltd was boosted by money from the victims which was then transferred to another account.

Mr Tully said there was no evidence to suggest Darrell was part of the original fraud or that he took part for financial gain.

Mr Tully said there were no aggravating features to the case, only mitigating ones, saying Darrell had shown genuine remorse, had no convictions of this kind, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had been a hard-working man with good character.

Judge Patrick Harrington said he would take these factors into consideration, adding: "You are a man with previous good character.

"We realise you were vulnerable at the time the offences were convicted."

Darrell, who had worked as an accountant, was commended for putting himself in debt to pay back the victims and he was given a 12 months prison sentence, suspended for for two years. He was also ordered to pay £1,500 prosecution costs and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

The judge said: "You are now a convict and now must face the business community in which you live, with a money laundering offence. “That is unattractive."

Following a trial at Mold Crown Court earlier this year Elaine Bird, 53, of Mount Pleasant, Llangollen, was found not guilty of two money-laundering charges.

The former Denbighshire County Council cook and school escort told the jury she had been used.