Mark Woods, 46, has been jailed for six years after police discovered £284,530 in cash hidden underneath the floorboards of his loft, along with 603g of cocaine and expensive jewellery. Woods admitted possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property at Liverpool Crown Court.
Police search uncovers cash and drugs
Merseyside Police executed a search warrant at Woods' home on Avondale Road in Maghull on August 8 this year. Officers saw Woods running off carrying a black notebook and a white bag before he entered the house next door. Police followed him into the property and found the bag contained 603g of cocaine at 83 per cent purity, said to be "consistent with import quality" and valued at between £24,120 and £42,210.
A search of Woods' address saw a quantity of cash seized from the kitchen and further monies found secreted underneath a floor panel in the loft, with £284,530 being recovered in total. Expensive items of jewellery, including a diamond ring and Rolex watches, were also discovered in the house.
Previous conviction for money laundering
Woods has one previous conviction for using the proceeds of criminal conduct, which led to him being sentenced to four years in prison back in 2006. Peter Killen, defending, told the court: "My instructions are that it concerned about £56,000, and the defendant pleaded guilty at trial. With the passage of time, access to material is limited. It is a serious conviction, but, as your honour knows, there must be some reflection of the fact it is over 20 years ago that it happened."
Mr Killen added of a letter which Woods penned to the court: "The letter is an apology. He would say that, within 10 minutes of arriving in Altcourse, where he has been since his arrest, it was obvious to him the impact that criminal activity has on people. He is educated. He has had employment. In one sense, if one gets involved after a long time not being involved in the criminal justice system, you do not appreciate what you are doing. He says this. He has got no excuse. In his words, I come from a real good family, there is no excuse for this. He would have said to your honour that he has let everyone down, from his parents, to his wife, to his children, to society at large."
Judge notes positive contribution but serious offence
Sentencing, Judge Neil Flewitt KC said: "In total, there were 603g of cocaine. That was 83 per cent pure, which is closer to import quality, and that cocaine would inevitably have been cut at some stage before it was distributed on the streets of Liverpool. A search of your home address also revealed a tick list in the kitchen and a large quantity of cash hidden in the loft. That was counted and found to be £284,530. In addition, there was expensive diamond jewellery and Rolex watches.
"You have one previous conviction from some time ago now, back in 2006, but it is a relevant criminal conviction because it is another money laundering offence, using the proceeds of criminal conduct. There are no details available about that other than what Mr Killen tells me, in that it involved £56,000. You were sent to prison for four years, so it must have been viewed by the court as a serious offence.
"It is clear that, this offending aside, you are a responsible family man who makes a positive contribution to your community. But that has to be seen in the light that you were playing a part in an operation that would have involved a significant amount of cocaine being introduced into that community. I recognise the remorse that is present in the letter you have written. I am pleased to hear that you are making good use of your time in custody, being an enhanced prisoner and offering support for other prisoners."
Wearing a grey prison issue jumper in the dock, Woods waved to his family in the public gallery as he was led to the cells after being jailed for six years.
