A MAN was caught converting thousands of pounds worth of criminal property into foreign currency.

Kenneth Wilson appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week.

Prosecutor Darren Harty said: “On January 11, 2018, the accused received a payment into his Bank of Scotland bank account originating from a Nationwide bank account belonging to a witness.

“He was observed obtaining currency by using sterling to obtain foreign currency.”

Wilson entered Barrhead Travel at the Glasgow Fort and converted £2351.85.

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The 33-year-old then went into TUI, also at the Glasgow Fort, and purchased £2196.67 worth of foreign currency, before entering MSFX at the same shopping centre and converting £1901.19.

Mr Harty added: “Officers were tasked to attend and observed CCTV footage, where the accused was identified.

“Financial investigations were underway to obtain access to the accused’s bank account which showed the transaction.”

Wilson was later cautioned and charged and made no reply.

Sheriff Jonathan Guy said: “The money had been put into his bank account by another source – it was criminal money?”

Wilson’s lawyer confirmed this was the case and added: “The report suggests he didn’t have any other option but to act in the way as liable.

“He since recognises there was an option. He is under no illusions he may be facing a custodial sentence today. He’s fully engaged with his work as to what’s been going on.”

Sheriff Guy said: “I’m minded to impose a restricted movement requirement.”

He told Wilson: “Your solicitor recognises the seriousness of the situation you find yourself in and that you did have a choice, albeit a difficult one.

“This type of offence causes harm to society. It allows criminals to clean their money and put it back into criminal activity and you allowed that to happen.

"I will step back from custody due to the positive factors in the report.”

A restricted movement requirement was imposed, meaning Wilson will have to stay within his Belshill home between 8pm-6am for 108 days.

He was also ordered to be under social work supervision for one year.

The sentence was imposed as a direct alternative to custody.