James Heyworth secures acquittal of estate agent facing drugs and money laundering charges.

James Heyworth secures the acquittal of a Cumbrian estate agent facing drugs and money laundering charges.

A Cumbrian estate agent found himself in the dock at Lancaster Crown Court following the discovery of a large cannabis factory at a remote rental property he was managing.

Despite the tenant pleading guilty to supplying cannabis the prosecution proceeded against Mr Heyworth’s client alleging he conspired to supply cannabis, laundered drugs money and perverted the course of justice.

Following an application to dismiss in respect of the drugs charges the prosecution offered no evidence on the drugs conspiracy but proceed to trial on the money laundering and perverting the course of justice charges.

At trial in Lancaster Castle, following legal submissions by Mr Heyworth, the judge withdrew the money laundering matters from the jury and directed a not guilty verdict. The jury also returned a not guilty verdict on the perverting the course of justice matter.