Smethwick mother in £130,000 money laundering case is spared prison
A mother of two from Smethwick who helped launder more than £130,000 from the estate of a dead person, has narrowly escaped immediate custody for the sake of her children.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how 26-year-old Hermine Alonge, from Kimberley Road, had been asked by a man she knew to provide her bank account details so that it could be used for the fraudulent transfer of more than £132,080 that had been obtained from a solicitor.
Despite the risk taking part in the con posed towards Alonge, who is the sole carer of her children aged six and three, she said she agreed to take part as the man, known as Kevin Ali, had helped her through a traumatic experience in the past.
Giving details of the case ahead of Alonge's sentencing, prosecutor Mr Christopher O'Gorman said that after the money went into her account, there were then numerous transactions starting on August 6 last year.
He said: "There were transactions from the defendant's account ranging from £100 to £3,000. By September 23 the balance was £72,765.22, which was recalled by the bank. This left a balance that had been spent of £59,314.78."
Representing Alonge, Mr Franco Tizzano highlighted that the amount had been more than Alonge had expected when she agreed to give her bank details, and that most of the funds were taken out of her account by others.
Explaining her connection to Kevin Ali, Mr Tizzano said: "She suffered a very severe and traumatic assault. He appears to have acted as her protector and counsel, and after that she felt indebted to him."
She admitted acquiring criminal property and was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
Judge Michael Challinor said she only escaped an immediate jail term because of her children.
