Mum who sold drug boats avoids jail

A Suffolk company director whose business made millions from selling high speed boats to drugs barons has been given a two-year suspended prison sentence today.

A SUFFOLK company director whose business made millions from selling high speed boats to drugs barons has been given a two-year suspended prison sentence today.

Mother of three Ellen George, of Colville Road, Lowestoft, ran Crompton Marine with her partner of 20 years Neil Davison.

The 43-year-old George had previously pleaded guilty to money laundering and a tax evasion of nearly �400,000 before her sentencing at Ipswich Crown Court.

Over a six year period Crompton Marine was paid �21.8 million, at least six and a half million pounds of which was in cash.

Prosecutor Richard Jory told the court the money was received largely in connection with production and supply of Ridged Hulled Inflatable Boats purchased by individuals whose identities had been hidden.

George was an integral part of the business which covered its tracks through false documentation.

The RHIBs were used for drug running from the northern tip of Africa to Southern Spain.

They were so powerful they could outrun boats used by the authorities.

The organised crime gangs who bought the vessels are believed to have made in the region of �30 million from their drug running enterprises, according to customs sources.

The tax evasion charge related to �394,000 received from the rental of around 100 properties owned by Davison.

Davison is currently a fugitive after going on the road in Spain following his and George's arrests in March 2004.