Painter and decorator from Clare denies drug dealing and money laundering charges

A painter and decorator from Clare has denied charges of drug dealing and money laundering.

At Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, Thomas Butler, 25, of Bridewell Street, pleaded not guilty to being involved in the supply of cocaine and concealing £17,984 earned from the proceeds of crime.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between January 2017 and February 2019.

Bruce Clark, representing Butler, told the court: “He has always been a recreational drug user. It’s always been seen by him as being on a non-commercial basis.”

Mr Clark added that his client worked as a painter and decorator and that he drove a car worth less than £1,000, which was “not indicative” of him being a drug dealer.

Judge Emma Peters said police had stopped Butler as he drove his car and found 1.87 grams of cocaine in his jacket, before taking him to his home, which was searched.

Butler was given unconditional bail and was told his trial would be listed for the week of January 4, 2021.