A CWMBRAN widow accused of money laundering by converting criminal property, said to be counterfeit cigarettes, has been found guilty of five counts and cleared of three.

Sara Skinner, aged 44, of Oakleigh Court, Cwmbran, denied eight counts of converting criminal property over a four-year period.

But a jury at Newport Crown Court found her guilty of converting criminal property in November 2009, namely buying a BMW; converting criminal property in 2009 generally; in 2010; in 2011; and between January and June 2012.

She was then cleared of three counts of converting criminal property alleged to have taken place in 2007, in 2008, and in 2011, namely a Porsche.

Her co-defendant Simon Leighton, 42, was alleged to have sold the counterfeit tobacco from his ice cream van.

Leighton, of Maple Road South, Griffithstown, denied one count of becoming concerned in money laundering and was found not guilty by the jury.

Skinner has been released on bail until sentencing on November 28 at Newport Crown Court.