Four deny laundering drug money

Four people have gone on trial in connection with the alleged laundering of millions of pounds of drug money from a base in Nottinghamshire.

Nottingham Crown Court was told that in just seven months more than £5m was moved around the UK or abroad.

John Dawes, 37, from Tudor Street Sutton, Arthur Dawes, 59, and Rebecca Bridge, from Central Avenue, Skegness, deny conspiracy to launder money.

Ryan Smith, 23, of Sutton in Ashfield, also pleaded not guilty to the charge.

John Dawes and Mr Smith also deny conspiracy to supply heroin and amphetamines.

The jury was told John Dawes' father, Arthur Dawes - known as Eddie - was also involved and Arthur Dawes' 23-year-old partner, Ms Bridge, acted as bookkeeper.

The prosecution told the jury that a criminal crew sought to dominate the illegal supply of drugs in north Nottinghamshire - cultivating a reputation for violence.

The trial continues.