A drug boss who funded his girlfriend’s “fearless” shopping sprees will have a $70,000 stash of designer clothes sold off by police.
Jonathan Walsh, 34, lived lavishly having earned $1.3 million through a sophisticated drug-running operation.
Walsh ran a trafficking syndicate which moved cannabis and amphetamine from Greater Manchester to Nottinghamshire in England, The Sun reports.
His girlfriend Jodie Bowie, 32, also got involved in the drugs plot and enjoyed a luxury lifestyle funded by Walsh’s illicit gains.
A court heard the operation paid for Bowie’s designer clothes, expensive jewellery, high-powered cars and cosmetic surgery appointments.
Stream more UK news live & on demand with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer available for a limited time only >
Walsh was banged up for 15 years, while Bowie avoided jail.
Under proceeds of crime laws, Walsh will have to pay back just over $70,000, representing the value of items seized by the police, including designer clothes worth about $68,000 and a $3500 van.
Police confirmed they would be selling off the clothes and vehicle.
Bowie, who worked as a carer for the elderly, is also set to face proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Her case was adjourned until next month.
The couple met on Facebook after he served a 14-year prison sentence for armed robbery, with Bowie becoming involved in Walsh’s drugs scheme.
When one of Walsh’s couriers was arrested, Bowie enlisted her mother Janice, 53, father David, 52, and brother Lee, 34, to help with moving the drug money.
But when Bowie’s home was raided by police, officers discovered more than $179,000 worth of designer clothes as well as $17,000 in cash.
Another visit by cops recovered clothing worth $48,000, $9700 in cash, while messages on her phone showed her making arrangements with Walsh to spend around $8950 on cosmetic surgery.
At a previous hearing, prosecutor Tom Challinor said of the couple’s initial weeks together: “Over a very short period of time Walsh began to accrue possessions of a lavish lifestyle, including Rolex watches, designer clothing, and driving expensive cars at £1,300 ($AUD2,300) a month.
“They decked out their house in lavish decor which indicated that sort of lifestyle.
“Jodie Bowie worked at the time but was not on the sort of income which could have supported that lifestyle. When it came to spending money, she was fearless.”
Walsh, Failsworth in Machester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply drugs and money laundering and was later found guilty of conspiracy to possess a firearm, conspiracy to possess ammunition and conspiracy to possess an explosive device after trial at Manchester Crown Court in September last year.
Bowie received 21 months imprisonment, suspended for two years and a three month curfew between 7pm and 5.30am.
She was also hit with 140 hours unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply class B cannabis and money laundering.
This article originally appeared in the The Sun and was reproduced with permission
For more latest Lifestyle News Click Here