The Proceeds of Crime confiscation case followed Kennedy’s conviction in January 2006 of four counts of blackmail and one offence under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. At that time the defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment.

The prosecution by North Yorkshire Crown Prosecution Service followed an investigation conducted by North Yorkshire County Council Trading Standards and Regulatory Services into the defendant’s tarmac laying business. The confiscation investigation was conducted by the North East Regional Asset Recovery Team, following a referral from North Yorkshire Trading Standards.

Kennedy, who is currently serving 3 years 3 months for subsequent offences of blackmail and common assault following conviction in September 2008, first came to the attention of North Yorkshire Trading Standards in August 2004. At that time he was arrested after making threats to the proprietor of a roadside café on the A1 near Leeming. The investigation revealed further offending in West Yorkshire, Derbyshire and the West Midlands.

As part of the investigation a Mercedes and a Bentley were seized from him along with other valuable assets.

County Councillor Clare Wood, executive member for Trading Standards and Regulatory Services said “This prosecution and confiscation order represent an example of our determination to protect the residents of our County from these callous rogue traders and to ensure crime does not pay in North Yorkshire. It also demonstrates the County Council’s commitment to effective partnership working.”

DI Graham Wragg of South Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Units echo’s the views of County Councillor Clare Wood and adds “Joseph Kennedy was living the high live on the benefits of his criminality.  Monies he had effectively stolen from members of the public by blackmailing and bullying them into paying for substandard tarmaccing work.  The collaboration of the above agencies has succeeded in removing his criminal wealth and sending him to prison.

DCI Steve Waite, Head of the North East Regional Asset Recovery Team said “Results like this increase the public confidence in the criminal justice system as they highlight what can be achieved through partnership working and maximising the effective use of the Proceeds of Crime legislation to ensure that the offenders do not benefit from the proceeds of their crimes”