A MAN accused of spending vast sums of money which were allegedly proceeds of crime, has appeared in court.

James Moroney, 48, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday for the first hearing of a trial which is expected to last for two weeks.

Moroney, of Horringer Road, Bury St Edmunds, faces charges of converting criminal property, concealing criminal property and possessing criminal property.

He was joined in the dock by George Browning, Lee Head and Laura Head who face charges which relate to those faced by Moroney.

Moroney has pleaded not guilty to the charges which relate to alleged incidents between June 2003 and October 2009.

The court heard that during this period Moroney had spent vast sums of money despite not having a regular job or significant income.

Robert O’Sullivan, prosecuting, said: “Between the years 2003 and 2009 the defendant never filed a single tax return. Not one penny of income went to the Inland Revenue.

“You would think he would struggle to make ends meet. But to the contrary, over the last few years he has had a significant amount of income to spend.

“The defendant was able to pay bills to the value of �22,000 in cash. He was also able to buy cars and a house in Sudbury for �75,000.

“How can a man who appears to have no significant income afford such a lifestyle? We say that he must have been spending the proceeds of crime. That is the common sense conclusion.”

The court also heard that after police searched Moroney’s home in October 2009, �15,000 in cash was found in a black bag in his kitchen.

Mr O’Sullivan added that the source of these funds was “not clear” but claimed that Moroney was involved in criminal activity through “a network of close associates” with links to Browning, Lee Head and Laura Head.

Browning, 51, of Cats Lane, Sudbury, has pleaded not guilty to charges of possessing cannabis and possessing criminal property.

Lee Head, 37, of The Hawthorns, Sudbury, and Laura Head, 27, of The Hawthorns, Sudbury, have each pleaded not guilty to charges of converting criminal property.

The trial continues.