£6k crime money found hidden in fairy princess cushion in Luton

The cash was seized during a warrant at 32-year-old Grace Myers’ home in Dumfries Street after police received a tipoff about a large quantity of cash obtained by an organised crime group in Luton.

The intelligence emerged after four men from the group were jailed in 2014 for firearms offences.

The money, a total of £5,910, was found hidden inside a children’s fairy princess cushion. Myers appeared at Luton Magistrates Court on Wednesday, April 13.

Det Con Ian Williams said: “The court found that there was no plausible explanation as to where the cash came from and that on the balance of probability it was derived from unlawful conduct, and so it was forfeited under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

“We are aware that families and vulnerable members of our society are used by gang members to hide firearms, drugs, and cash, and we would like to remind these people that they are committing an offence by harbouring these items. Possessing a firearm, whatever the reason, will incur a mandatory sentence of five years imprisonment.”

Myers was cautioned and ordered to pay £515 in court costs in connection with the seizure.