Cumbernauld pair in drugs and dirty money trial

Neil Anderson (40) and Yvonne Davidson (44), both of Marywell Path, face charges linked to a children’s play complex operated in Motherwell by Larkhall couple Graham Clarke (35) and his wife, Lindsay (31).

It’s alleged the Clarkes used dirty money to set up Rainforest Adventure Limited and Rainforest Nursery. It’s also claimed they overstated the income of the business by almost £400,000 in a bid to hide dirty cash.

The Clarkes are also accused of handling more than £900,000 in dirty money. It’s alleged they used the cash to buy cars, boats and a property in Spain.

The Clarkes, along with Anderson, are charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Various addresses are listed, including Rainforest Adventure, and the timescale is between 2006 and 2012.

Prosecutors allege the Clarkes used the proceeds of drug dealing to fund a jet-setting lifestyle.

Alleged transactions include the purchase of a house in Alicante for more than 400,000 euros, the Clarkes’ Larkhall home and a house in North Lanarkshire.

It’s further alleged Graham Clarke used dirty money to pay for flights and accommodation for 23 guests attending his stag weekend in Spain.

Prosecutors also claim the couple paid for a helicopter to take them to their wedding at Airth Castle, near Falkirk, in 2010 with the proceeds of their crimes.

Davidson, Marilyn Nixon (65) and Keith Nixon, (62), both of Darvel, Ayrshire, all face related money laundering charges.

The accused deny the charges and the trial before Lady Wise is expected to last several months.