The sister of a prolific drug smuggler, who was responsible for importing 4.5 tonnes of cannabis resin into the UK, has narrowly avoided jail after being convicted of laundering more than £300,000.

Mary Dunn, of Shelduck Close, Allhallows, and the drug smuggler’s wife, Mandy Ashman, 49, who is from Rainham, in Essex, were sentenced earlier today at the Old Bailey in London, after being found guilty of money laundering in March.

Dunn was jailed for nine months and Ashman for two years - but both terms were suspended for two years.

Over a two-year period, National Crime Agency officers followed the activities of Joseph Ashman and his associates as he attempted to distribute cannabis with a likely potential street value of £23m across the UK.

Evidence showed Mandy Ashman was laundering the criminal profits of her husband’s drug dealing activities through the mortgages on two properties, whilst also claiming benefits.

Meanwhile Ashman’s sister, Dunn, allowed her bank accounts to be used for transactions linked to bogus employment through a painting and decorating business and a scrap metal dealer.

Joseph Ashman, 47, who was also found to be claiming income support and disability living allowance, pleaded guilty in 2014 to conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and money laundering, and was jailed for eight years and eight months.

During the same trial as his wife and sister, he was also found guilty of money laundering charges adding a further four years to his sentence.

Tony Luhman from the National Crime Agency said: “Joseph Ashman’s criminality afforded his family a lavish lifestyle and he thought he could evade law enforcement attention by using bogus companies and family members to launder the proceeds of his crime.

“The National Crime Agency will continue to pursue and disrupt those who seek to benefit from the assets derived from serious and organised crime.”