Monk Spain cash case 'gone cold'

CRIME boss Gerry Hutch will not be charged over money laundering in the Canary Islands, we can reveal.

- BY JOHN KIERANS

Gardai sources say the case against him will be dropped by the Spanish prosecutor very soon and there is no money trail connecting him to the alleged crimes.

This move is expected to pave the way for The Monk to stand in the Dublin Central by-election, following the resignation of Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe from his seat.

The Government is likely to move the writ for the by-election to the spring.

Hutch, 62, is currently out on bail while the money laundering investigation is ongoing in Lanzarote, where he resides for most of the year.