Man who hid drugs in a coffee tin ordered to pay his criminal gains back - or face further jail time

Martin Bradshaw (26/09/1989) of Ashbourne Avenue, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, possession with intent to supply a class A controlled drug and facilitating the acquisition/possession of criminal property back in February 2022, and was sentenced to three years and six months in jail.

On the 27 April 2023, he has been ordered to pay his ill-gotten gains back or face further jail time. The hearing ordered Bradshaw to pay back £51,667.88 of money that was gained through his criminality.

This comes from a meticulous investigation by officers in Wigan’s District Tasking Team after an officer spotted Bradshaw driving erratically in his Mercedes Benz along Scholes, Wigan on 5 February 2020. The officer attempted to stop the car but Bradshaw only accelerated, eventually managing to flee the officer. The car was spotted shortly afterwards parked up on Higher Lane, Aspull and seized by officers.

The following day, officers returned to the compound where the car was being kept and forced entry to it due to intelligence that it was linked to the supply of controlled drugs. Following a search, bank cards and a coffee tin containing cocaine were seized. Two burner phones were also seized and these both contained details of drug supply. On Sunday 7 June, Bradshaw attended Wigan police Station and was arrested.

Martin Bradshaw

Following further investigation by detectives, it was established that Bradshaw had purchased a static caravan in Blackpool and a Mercedes Benz which were both subsequently seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Detective Inspector Patrick Wood of GMP's Wigan District Tasking Team, said: “We're pleased with today's result - and hopefully this sends a powerful message to those thinking they can get away with this type of offending, criminal actions have severe consequences.

“We will continue to work diligently to remove criminal proceeds from the hands of those who seek to profit from it, and I'd like to thank the public for continuing to support our work by reporting and sharing information. If you see something, or suspect something is wrong, tell us, and we can do something about it."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Information can also be submitted via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.