Man ordered to pay for benefits of crime

30/08/2007

Today, following a confiscation hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Keith Derbyshire, 49, was ordered to pay £26,100. He will have to pay this amount within six months or will face an 18 month prison sentence.

Today, following a confiscation hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Keith Derbyshire, 49, was ordered to pay £26,100. He will have to pay this amount within six months or will face an 18 month prison sentence.

The order was made under the Proceeds of Crimes Act 2002 (POCA). This allowed the court to make an order against Derbyshire to pay a sum equal to the benefit from his crime, if he fails to do so, his assets which have been frozen by the court can then be sold to pay the order.

Derbyshire, who pleaded guilty to a number of prostitution related offences back in June 2006 was sentenced to 36 weeks imprisonment, but has still had to pay for his criminal lifestyle.

Steve Ash, Senior Crown Prosecutor and Proceeds of Crime Act specialist said:
Mr Derbyshire has been ordered by the court to pay £26,100 and this sends out a very strong message to all criminals that if you have befitted you cannot escape paying, even if you are in prison or have served your sentence.