FIFTEEN people have admitted their part in a large-scale plot to smuggle hand-rolling tobacco into the UK.

A woman from Darlington is expected to go on trial today charged with conspiracy to evade duty on the products.

Suzanne Robinson, 40, of Thompson Street West, is the last of 18 defendants charged in the long-running case.

Two others are expected to have the charges against them dropped after Miss Robinson's trial and the sentencing of the rest.

Those who have admitted conspiracy to evade duty are:

Peter Jackson, 58, of The Unicorn, Newbiggen, Richmond; Paul Stephen Hooper, 53, of Westmoreland Street, Darlington; Daniel Keith Whitmore, 25, of Pensbury Street, Darlington; John Hodgson, 44, of The Green, Richmond; Paul Hodgson, 46, and Joshua Hodgson, 24, both of Forest Drive, Colburn, Catterick Garrison; Ashlea Kirk, 44, of The Potlands, Leeming Bar; and Russell William Blakeburn, 59, from Leicester.

The charge alleges they conspired to evade duty on the importation, storage and distribution of hand-rolling tobacco and cigarettes between July 2012 and August 2013.

Teesside Crown Court heard that it relates to goods allegedly sent in parcels through the post and via courier services.

A further seven people have pleaded guilty to being “knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of duty” on hand-rolling tobacco.

They are: Pamela Violet Hall, 65, of Church Street, Shildon, County Durham; David John Hodgson, 68, of Oaktree Court, Catterick; Ian George Gregory, 59, of Bevanlee Road, South Bank, Middlesbrough; Trevor Seal, 43, of Front Street, Appleton Wiske, North Yorkshire; Angela Marquis, 37, of Stuart Avenue, Richmond; Joanne Haxell, 34, of Mailtop, Richmond; and Deborah Bowie, 39, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Prosecutor Craig Hassell told the court that the Crown will not now pursue charges against Gregory's wife, Louise, 53, and Hall's daughter, Tanya Hall, 29, of Greenbank Road, Darlington.

Miss Robinson also denied concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing criminal property by paying money into her account and using it to pay for courier charges, and the count has been withdrawn.

A jury of six men and six women was sworn in yesterday afternoon, and it is anticipated that they will hear the opening of the case this morning.

Judge Sean Morris warned the panel not to act as private detectives and go searching for clues online, and told them: "This is not television - this is real-life with real consequences."