An offender has admitted money laundering by trying to send £22,240 in cash through the post to the UK.

Craig George Trevor Lovell was caught after the package was intercepted by police at the Post Office sorting office.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to remove criminal property from the island.

Magistrates deemed the case too serious for summary court and committed the 27-year-old, who lives on Minorca Hill, Laxey, to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court that police were called to the Post Office’s sorting office on October 12 last year after a report of a suspicious package.

The sender was listed as C Lovell, of Clifton Terrace, Douglas, and when the parcel was opened £22,240 in cash was found inside.

Lovell was arrested on October 14 and during an interview answered ’no comment’ to questions.

His phone was examined and linked to a tracking number for the package.

Forensics also linked him to the plastic bags used to pack the cash.

Lovell’s bank accounts were examined and it was established that he had no ability to save such an amount of money.

Ms Cubbon submitted that the case was too serious for the lower court and should be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

Advocate Jim Travers, who represented Lovell, agreed that the case should go to the higher court for sentencing.

Magistrates ordered that a probation report be prepared and Lovell will appear at the Court of General Gaol Delivery on July 30.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions to reside at his home address and contact probation.