THIEF ORDERED TO PAY £10,000 UNDER PROCEEDS OF CRIME ACT (2002)


A FORMER employee, who stole almost £10,000 from the Royal British Legion in Hemel Hempstead, has been ordered to repay the money following a court hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act (2002).

Ian McPhee, 55, of Longridge Avenue, St Helens, Merseyside, was told he had to pay £9753.57 at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, January 19. McPhee had previously pleaded guilty to theft at St Albans Crown Court in October 2009 and was given a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for two years.

McPhee, who worked as a treasurer at the club, has admitted stealing the money between February 2004 and September 2007. He has been given three months to pay the sum or face six months in prison.

Detective Constable Paul Rowley of the Economic Crime Unit, based at Watford Police Station, said: “I am pleased McPhee has been ordered to repay the money that he stole. McPhee breached the position of trust he held at the club and selfishly took away the funds that helps former and existing members of the Armed Forces.”

“This case demonstrates that we not only actively pursue criminals who have benefited from crime but will fight to ensure victims are compensated as well.”

This is another successful example of Hertfordshire Constabulary working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute criminals who benefit from crime.

In December 2009, Hertfordshire Constabulary launched the secure reporting form on the Make Criminals Pay webpage on www.herts.police.uk, allowing local residents to anonymously report those people responsible of profiting from crime.
January 2010