Manx advocate found guilty of money laundering

Advocate Jenny Holt will be sentenced on 25 February 2010

An Isle of Man advocate has been found guilty of money laundering, by a jury of seven people at Douglas Courthouse.

Jenny Holt, 30, was part of the team representing businessman Trevor Baines and his wife Wendy during a 2009 trial.

Holt was found guilty of one count of money laundering and two counts of falsifying documents.

The advocate, of Union Mills, who denied all charges, has been released on bail and will be sentenced alongside Wendy and Trevor Baines on 25 February.

After reading out the verdict, Acting Deemster David Turner said to Holt: "It is a very sad day for you but it is a long life. You might think everything is in ruins but it isn't."

Det Sgt Lynee Skelly, from the financial crime unit, said: "The conviction sends out a strong message to the international financial community that the island will not be seen as a safe haven for money laundering."

Baines, 71, has been convicted of stealing more than £900,000 while his wife Wendy, 52, has admitted obtaining £45,000 by deception.