Jamie "The Iceman" Stevenson claims his 12-year sentence for money laundering is excessive as police cannot prove he committed any other crimes. The multi-millionaire crook, not due for release until 2013, has asked the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) to examine his case. If his brass-necked legal bid is successful, he could be out by the end of the year. One source said: "Stevenson has no previous but he built up a drugs network with a multi-billion pound turnover.
"It's ludicrous to claim he should be freed early simply because he's never been caught before." Stevenson, 43, of Burnside, Glasgow, was jailed in April 2007 despite his "untouchable" reputation. He and nine others - including his wife Caroline, stepson Gerry Carbin and Carbin's partner Karen Maxwell - were charged with drug and money laundering offences. But only Stevenson and Carbin, 29, were convicted of money laundering after striking a deal with prosecutors. The Iceman remains the prime suspect for the murder of fellow gangster Tony McGovern in Springburn, Glasgow, in 2000. Stevenson's 12-year, nine-month sentence was the longest ever for money laundering in Britain. He was also ordered to hand over s750,000 of his dirty money but is thought to have millions more stashed away.
He claims police exceeded their powers when bugging his home as part of anti-drugs campaign Operation Folklore. Despite his fortune, Stevenson plans to use taxpayers' cash to fight the appeal. He will get 90% from the Scottish Legal Aid Board to make his application to the SCCRC. His lawyers will only receive more money if the appeal goes to court. The SCCRC said: "We don't comment on individual cases."
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