A MAN has been jailed for his role in a prostitution racket and a money laundering operation that police estimate involved up to £1m over seven years.

Leon Jackson, 34, of Parkwood Road, Whiston was sentenced to 32 months in prison for money laundering and controlling prostitution for gain. The case related to the Candy Girls Escort Agency in Liverpool.

Andrea Stott, 32, from Holly Hey, Whiston was sentenced to 15 months suspended for two years.

Stott was also given a supervision order for two years and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work, for money laundering

Jackson hugged an upset Stott before he left the dock with officers to serve his sentence.

Also appearing at the court were Martin Whiston, 56, of Queens Road, Kensington, who was given a 12-month community order and ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work for money laundering and Lilly-Anne Harrison, 38, from Higher Road, Halewood.

Harrison was sentenced to a two-year community order and supervision order; she was also ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work for inciting prostitution for gain.

Merseyside Police welcomed Jackson's sentencing.

DC Alan Davies, from the specialist economic crime team, said: "Over the course of this complex and long-running financial investigation, it became apparent that those involved in the company were carrying out extensive money laundering in the region of £1 million over a seven-year-period.

“Leon Jackson was living a lifestyle well beyond his declared income and claimed that girls working for the company offered companionship, when in reality sexual services were being offered.

"Today's result shows that we will use all our available powers and financial expertise to bring prosecutions against serious and organised criminals, and see those involved face justice."

Sentencing at Warrington Crown Court on Tuesday morning, Judge Neil Flewitt said £34,000 of criminal property was recovered from Lilly-Anne Harrison.

He told her: "You were well aware of the nature of the business and you played an important role.

"You are a single mother with four children, three of whom are under the age of 18.

"You are concerned about the fate of your children. I accept that you are a good mother to all of your children, however it's a matter of some concern that you do not seem to show any remorse."

Sentencing Martin Whiston, Judge Flewitt said Whiston had a "lengthy criminal record" and had been sentenced on June 31, 2014 for conspiracy to supply heroin.

He is currently on release on licence.

Judge Flewitt said: "Your involvement was for a slightly shorter period because in April 2013 you were arrested in relation to the conspiracy (to supply heroin).

"Your role was to drive escorts to and from appointments and occasionally to put money into the bank accounts of those running it."