Third charge for woman accused of cash laundering

Maxine Valentine, 36, of Sandmoor Drive, Alwoodley, Leeds, already accused of two counts under the Proceeds of Crime Act, appeared in court yesterday charged with acquiring, using or having possession of criminal property.

Leeds Magistrates' Court heard it would be alleged that Valentine and her husband, a serving prisoner, had maintained an extravagant lifestyle "funded almost entirely by the criminal activity" of Valentine's husband.

Magistrates heard that, although the first two counts related to specific payments totalling only about 39,000, the additional charge was linked to amounts "probably somewhere nearer 500,000".

Anthony Sugare, for Valentine, who was bailed, said she would plead not guilty to the charges as she denied any wrongdoing. "She was not responsible for the activities of her husband," he said.