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