A man who was convicted of supplying high-value drugs across Manchester and Cumbria has been ordered to pay back more than £65,000.
James Jones (10/12/85) of Worcester Road, Middleton was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison for conspiracy to supply cannabis, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of amphetamines with the intent to supply and money laundering.
The joint investigation with Cumbria Constabulary uncovered Jones at the head of a drugs supply ring, distributing large amounts of Class A and B from Manchester to Egremont in West Cumbria.
Following his conviction in February 2018, officers applied to the courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The further investigation found Jones had a number of items that could be seized in order to pay back the money he benefited, thought to be around £100,000.
The following items were seized from him:
- £50,000 deposit placed on a house in Middleton
- A diamond engagement ring worth £7,725
- A Rolex watch worth £8,100
- Approximately £8,000 in cash
On Friday (28 June 2019), after the seizure was taken into consideration, Jones was ordered to pay back £65,350 at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. Failure to do so could see him extra time in prison.
Detective Constable Darren Wayman of GMP’s Challenger Manchester Team, said: “Taking positive action like this in a court of law shows that crime really doesn’t pay.
“We will continue to root out people like Jones who benefit from their crimes and do everything we can to take what they have illicitly gained away from them.”
Jones pleaded guilty on the day the trial was due to take place and was sentenced on 15 February 2018, alongside:
- Robert Livesey (05/09/52) Hilton Street North, Salford was sentenced to two years in prison.
- Carl Devlin (11/10/84) The Elms, Egremont, Cumbria was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison.
- Rachel Dunn (04/07/91) also of Worcester Road, Middleton, received a 12-month community order for money laundering.
