PROFESSIONAL boxer Lee Purdy has spoken of his relief after he was cleared of money laundering.

A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court returned a unanimous not guilty verdict yesterday.

Mr Purdy, 27, of Greenstead Road, Colchester, denied trying to cover up money generated from a rogue builder scam.

Speaking after the hearing, welterweight boxer Mr Purdy said: “It was a relief, because this has gone on for a long time.

“I knew from the beginning I hadn’t done anything wrong and all 12 jurors found me not guilty.

“It has been an ordeal, but I’m so glad my name has been cleared.”

Rachel Poole, 48, of Bromley Road, Ardleigh, was found guilty of five counts of money laundering.

Poole was asked to cash cheques by her partner Van Purdy, boxer Lee Purdy’s dad.

She was bailed to be sentenced at a later date.

For a special report, see Wednesday's Gazette