Urmston man convicted of producing cannabis ordered to pay almost £150k in confiscation proceedings

On 16^th August 2022 at Manchester & Salford Magistrates Court, Neil Lambert Jones (5/3/1970) was convicted of the production of cannabis and acquire, use, or possession of criminal property, namely £15,000 in cash.

A financial investigation was commenced into Jones resulting in Minshull Street Crown Court granting a restraint order freezing his assets.

On 13^th September 2022 at Minshull Street Crown Court, Jones was sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirement. Confiscation proceedings were also commenced under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. 

On Friday 23 June 2023 at Minshull Street Crown Court, Jones’ confiscation hearing took place. The Court determined that Jones had benefited from crime in the sum of £149,809.50.

He was ordered to pay the available amount of £149,809.50 within 3 months or face a prison sentence of two years imprisonment in default.

GMP Financial Investigator, Mark Chesters, said: “It was established that over the previous six years Jones had only received a modest income from various jobs including a window cleaning round. He was also subsidised by DWP benefits.

"Yet he managed to pay all his household expenses, buy a boat with outboard motor and trailer, expensive pedal cycles and used his credit card almost daily to pay for fast food and meals out, which he later paid off in cash.

“In addition to having his £15,000 in cash forfeited under the cash seizure provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act, Jones is now ordered to pay a confiscation order of £149,809.50.

"I hope this reassures the public that Greater Manchester Police will use all legislation to strip assets from criminals whenever the opportunity arises.”