Prosecutors drop organised crime charges

Prosecutors have dropped groundbreaking organised crime charges against a Merseyside man after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy.

James Spotswood of Townsend Street in Birkenhead appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes at Douglas Courthouse.

The 33 year old admitted two counts of conspiracy between January and September this year, and prosecutor Hazel Carroon withdrew a charge of participating in a criminal organisation - Spotswood was the first person ever to face the allegation.

She told the court Spotswood had conspired with others to get more than £34,000 off the Island.

Mrs Hughes declined jurisdiction in the case and committed Spotswood to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing.