Spanish authorities weigh up fast-track Monk trial

9 years max for alleged offences as poll bid has 'no bearing

- BY PAUL HEALY Crime Correspondent

PROSECUTORS in Spain are now weighing up a fast-tracked money laundering trial for Gerry "The Monk" Hutch.

Authorities with the Canary Islands High Court have confirmed that the investigation in Lanzarote is now with the public prosecutor to decide whether to proceed with charges and an expedited trial for alleged offences that carry less than nine years in prison.

The development means the initial investigation, which saw Hutch arrested and released on a bail of €100,000 last November, has now reached the point where investigators have made recommendations to the prosecutor on how to proceed.

Investigators want Hutch to face a trial potentially before a single judge for what is known as an "abbreviated process" - meaning the court is dealing with alleged offences that cannot carry more than nine years behind bars.

Authorities have also confirmed that the magistrate judge who examined the case has determined there is evidence to potentially take a case and has therefore referred it to the prosecutor to decide.