No jail for Queensland nurse caught with $2 million in drug money under her bed
Share this @internewscast.com

An assistant nurse caught with almost $2 million in drug money under her bed has been spared jail.

Jannine Williams, 35, pleaded guilty in Queensland Supreme Court today to one count of dealing in the proceeds of crime worth $1 million or more.

Crown prosecutor Patrick Wilson told Justice Peter Callaghan that Williams – a paediatric intensive care assistant nurse – was not accused of taking part in drug crimes herself.

The pediatric assistant nurse's offending was "clearly out of character", the court was told.
The paediatric assistant nurse’s offending was “clearly out of character”, the court was told. (Darren England/AAP)

“Williams possessed just over $1.7 million in a duffle bag under her bed on behalf of her (now former) partner,” Wilson said.

Wilson said there was evidence of discussions that showed Williams had some knowledge of her former partner’s involvement with shipments of cocaine up to 150kg.

“There was discussion of $2.2 million, and reference to vacuum sealing the money and storing it somewhere else,” Wilson said.

“They had a conversation about a very large quantity of drugs: 150kg.

“There was talk of the risk of prison, making it abundantly clear this was a serious criminal enterprise.”

Police found the money on July 22, 2022 in Williams’ apartment in the inner-Brisbane suburb of West End.

Justice Callaghan heard Williams initially denied knowledge of the money to police.

Williams had spoken about having to ignore the $1 million under her bed and needing to lock her apartment every time she left, Wilson said.

Defence barrister Mark McCarthy said Williams was an Australian citizen who was born in the UK and had no prior criminal record.

“She has had a long career in a paediatric intensive care unit in the local hospital. She is a valued team member,” he said.

“This was clearly out of character. But for her relationship she would never be involved in anything like this. 

“She is extremely unlikely to be involved in anything criminal again.”

Brisbane Supreme Court.
Brisbane Supreme Court. (Toby Crockford)

McCarthy said Williams had been in a “destructive relationship” and had little choice at the time but to tolerate having the money under her bed.

“She received no benefit from the cash,” he said.

Justice Callaghan said it was incongruous to see someone with Williams’ history of working to better the community end up in criminal court and facing the prospect of jail.

“The sentence I am about to pass will have an impact on your prospects of employment,” Justice Callaghan said.

“It is to be hoped there is a discretion to be exercised by those who decide these things, and it will be exercised fairly and responsibly.”

Williams was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment but ordered to be immediately released on a $1000 good behaviour bond.

She broke down crying and was comforted by her parents after the sentence was handed down.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

“‘Karate Kid’ Antagonist Accused of Biting ‘Cobra Kai’ Cast Member”

Martin Kove, recognized for his role as the primary adult antagonist in…

Teen Faces Adult Charges After Fatally Shooting Woman: Police

Inset: Makayla Bauman (G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home). Background: Apartment complex in Beech…

‘Attractive Teacher Faces 52 Charges of Sexual Abuse of Student, Claims She Is a Victim of Sexism’

An Illinois special education teacher, who is married, asserts that she has…

Stranger Breaks Into Home in Attempt to Kidnap Infant

Iowa police arrested a woman on Monday who allegedly broke into a…

Road Rage Incident: 5-Year-Old Girl Shot, Bullet Discovered in Sippy Cup, Authorities Report

Left inset: Charles Stevenson Jr. (Cary Police Department). Right inset: Ema, the…

Father fatally injures toddler son, attempts to frame grandfather: DA

Left inset: James VanderLeest (Brown County Jail). Center inset: Leo Escalante (GoFundMe).…

Mom Allegedly Got High While Fire Claimed Her Children: Police Report

Background: The 1800 block of Cantwell Court in Raleigh, North Carolina, in…

Teenager, 18, Detained on Suspicion of Attempted Murder

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kelvin Tay’sean Baker, 18, was taken into…

Kidnapper Who Abandoned Girl in Woods Receives Sentence

Background: The public entry to the Anchorage Correctional Complex on Wednesday, May…

Teen Tried as Adult in Failed Marijuana Robbery That Ended in Murder

A 16-year-old boy from Indiana is facing adult charges of murder following…

Young Boy Captures Father’s Shooting in Road Rage Incident: Authorities Report

Inset: Dustin Jackson (Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The location of the…

NSW Police Officer Assaulted During Welfare Check

A man is in custody after two female police officers were allegedly…