SIX people, including a professional boxer, will stand trial later this year over money laundering claims.

The four men and two women are alleged to have been involved in handling cheques that came from criminal activity in the Clacton area between March and November 2011.

All six denied the charges when they appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing and the case was adjourned.

They were bailed until their trials, later this year.

Barry Lilley, 63, of Frinton Road, Kirby Cross, Susan Lilley, 57, of Ipswich Road, Holland- on-Sea, Derek Johnstone, 69, of Ipswich Road, Hollan-on- sea, and Anthony Symes, 59, from Weeley Heath, deny money laundering.

They are alleged to have converted a number of cheques gained from criminal activity between March and November 2011.

Their trial, to last up to three weeks, will take place in July.

Rachel Poole, 48, a care home manager from Ardleigh, and professional boxer Lee Purdy, 26, of Greenstead Road, Colchester, both deny money laundering cheques between June 2011 and June last year.

Their trial has been fixed to start in August.