From deckchairs to millions...alleged drug dealer defends record

Monday 22 October 2018

A woman accused of hiding proceeds from alleged drugs dealing has taken the stand to recount a lifetime of working hard, and saving, to amass assets in excess of £1million.

Joanne Marie Jones (49) was called to give evidence in the Royal Court on Friday.

She is accused of concealing and spending money allegedly earned through drugs trafficking by transferring it into UK bank accounts, buying property and six investment bonds worth just under £300,000, but denies all the charges.

Taking to the stand, Miss Jones was initially quizzed by her defence advocate, Michael Haines, who attempted to build up a picture of Miss Jones being an industrious, money-motivated individual who has worked multiple jobs since she was 12 years old.

Pictured: Joanne Jones's trial is taking place in the Royal Court where it is being heard by Commissioner Julian Clyde-Smith and Jurats Pitman and Ramsden.

Despite Miss Jones leaving school at 14, she told Court that she had always been hardworking. “Even from 12 years old I was very much interested in making money… When I was 16, I actually used my own initiative and hired the local church hall and organised my own antique fairs and bric-a-brac fairs.” 

When asked about her spending habits as a young woman, Miss Jones said: “I didn’t spend really, I was very much into saving. I wasn’t a typical girl… I’ve always been a tomboy so I wasn’t into spending money on clothes… I save [my money]." 

The Welsh national added: “I’ve always had more jobs than one." Among numerous jobs recounted to the court were stints as a lobster, crab and fish saleswoman, a car hire employee, deckchair beach concession owner, a manual labourer and bartender.

Pictured: Joanne Jones gave evidence as to the numerous jobs she has done throughout her lifetime to explain her vast amounts of wealth.

Miss Jones elaborated on history of being a “wheeler dealer”, which she spoke about during Police interviewsthat were previously read to the Court.

She also spoke of being left £20,000 in cash from her grandfather which her partner found in a tin at his house after he died. 

Advocate Haines also took Miss Jones through various bank statements asking for her to explain various transactions, most of which she said were from jewellery, ornaments and other household items she had sold. 

While on the stand, Miss Jones spoke of running a tight ship when she was in charge of the deckchair concession at St. Brelade's Bay: “I would not leave my till or my stack unattended for even five minutes. I was so strict about not missing one single payment from the beds… I was very strict but I was very fair. I treated my staff very well."

Pictured: Joanne Jones, who used to run deckchair concessions on St. Brelade's Bay said that she was "very strict" with her business.

Through his questioning, Advocate Haines attempted to undermine evidence given by the prosecution’s drug expert witness DC Alasdair Castle by providing an alternative explanation as to why the £84,000 in cash found in Miss Jones’s attic was in predominantly £50 and £20 notes. DC Castle previously testified that the way the cash was presented, bundled and separated between Jersey and English notes in high denominations pointed to the fact that its owner “is an established dealer of drugs who has built up over time contacts, experience and respect." 

However, during her testimony, Miss Jones said that many businesses on or around St. Brelade’s Bay - like bars and cafés - were “always asking” for her small change and that she would swap her £1 and £5 notes to them in exchange for bigger notes.

So far, the trial has heard from prosecution witnesses including Police officers, a convicted drugs dealer, the property solicitor who helped Miss Jones buy a flat in Jersey and an accountant who had been tasked with analysing the Welsh woman’s accounts.

The case continues.