Three family members from Crook have been ordered to pay more than £47,000. They have been ordered to pay as a result of confiscation proceeds brought against them by Durham County Council under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Ian Edward Smales, 48 of Hawes Cresent, Crook and Linda Smales, 44 also of Hawes Crescent, and Kimberley Smales, 25, of Honister Square, Crook all pleaded guilty last year to offences concerning the possession and supply of illicit tobacco. They all received sentences last year for these offences.
A further hearing took place on Thursday 1st May at Durham Crown Court in order to confiscate the benefit they had gained from their crimes. The proceeds of crime potentially recoverable from the three was determined at more than £126,000 but the amount they were ordered to repay was based on their available assets at the time of the hearing. Confiscation orders were made against the trio and they were ordered to pay more than £47,000 as a result.
Ian Smales £24,871, Linda Smales £15,421 and Kimberley Smales £7,047. Each was given six months to pay or face a prison sentence.
Joanne Waller, head of environment health and consumer protection with Durham County Council, said: “This should serve as a warning to anyone who deals in illicit tobacco that not only will you end up with a criminal record but will also be pursued for all the benefits you have received as a result of your criminal lifestyle.”