Drug dealer who 'tried to hide money after house sale' ordered to hand over £110,000

A convicted drug dealer who police said tried to hide the proceeds of the sale of his house has been ordered to pay back more than £110,000. He could face a fresh sentence - and possibly jail - if the sum isn't paid within three months, said police.

Damien Robinson, 54, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and diazepam with intent to supply after a Greater Manchester Police operation in 2022. He was subsequently jailed for 18 months, suspended for 24 months.

Robinson was arrested after police spotted him driving in a 'dangerous and erratic manner' on Cowper Street in Leigh, Wigan, a force statement said.

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Cannabis and a large quantity of cash were found during a search of his vehicle. Officers went on to search Robinson's then home, where they discovered more cannabis and diazepam. The drugs seized were worth £51,310, GMP added.

But Robinson appeared at Bolton Crown Court on Friday, where a judge ordered him to pay back £110,633.87, GMP said.

The force said an investigation found that at the time of his arrest, he was selling his house. The money he made from the sale was transferred to a third party in an attempt to hide it from police, said the statement.

About £76,000 of the total he must pay back is from the house sale. Should Robinson fail to pay the sum within three months, he could face a fresh sentence and possibly custody.

Detective Inspector Pat Wood, of GMP's Wigan district, said: “This latest order sends a strong message to criminals that even if your time in jail is coming to an end, we will use every power available to