More than quarter of a million pound confiscation order for Gloucester couple

Police have obtained a confiscation order for more than £275,000 from two Gloucester people convicted of supplying class A drugs earlier this year.

Husband and wife Courton and Stacy-Ann Cunningham, of Hillcot Close in Quedgeley, were sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court in January.

Courton was sentenced to five and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of criminal property and possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Stacy-Ann was found guilty of possessing criminal property and encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence and received a two year sentence which was suspended for two years as well as a community order.

Following the conviction, Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Team conducted an investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), to establish the full financial benefit that the Cunninghams had made from their offending. This culminated in a POCA hearing at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday 16 October; whereby the confiscation orders were made.

Cash recovered from the defendants during the police investigation, totalling £65,000, will now be put towards paying the confiscation orders. Police financial investigators used POCA powers to restrain over £60,000 held in bank accounts linked to the defendants; this too will now be forfeit. 

The defendants were also found to own property which may now be sold, with the proceeds going towards paying off the confiscation order.

Speaking after the court hearing, DS Simon Shaw said: "The Cunninghams' lifestyle and actions caused significant damage to the local community. 

"This £275,000 confiscation order sends a clear message. If you are involved in acquisitive crime, Gloucestershire Constabulary will come after you; and we will use our powers to deprive you of the financial benefit from your crime. 

"We have already recovered more than £120,000 from these defendants and will continue to pursue their remaining assets until the full confiscation order is satisfied."