‘RART Attack’ on Maesteg couple recovers £317,000

Early in 2007, as a result of a South Wales Police operation in the Maesteg and Bridgend areas, Diann Lee and Matthew Roberts of Cwrt Coed Parc, Maesteg were arrested with others in relation to offences of money laundering and conspiracy to supply Cocaine. Both pleaded guilty to their charges in 2008. Lee was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years with an additional order of 200 hours unpaid work and Roberts was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.

Following a financial investigation by the Regional Asset Recovery Team in Wales (RART), Lee and Roberts were brought back to Court at Cardiff last week for the Proceeds of Crime Act hearing. The Court heard that the pair had passed over £200,000 through their bank accounts and had purchased two properties now valued at over £500,000.

Diann Lee’s criminal benefit was established as £250,000. She was ordered to pay £144,437 (the total of her available assets) within 6 months, with a default prison sentence of 3 years.

Matthew Roberts’ criminal benefit was established as £ 2 million. He was ordered to pay £173,123 (the total of his available assets) within 6 months, with a default prison sentence of an additional 3 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Dodd, Head of Regional Asset Recovery Team for Wales said:

“The RART in Wales has had a significant impact this year on career criminals, with particular success in the South Wales Police area. We are determined to remove the benefits of criminality from those that undermine our communities and this case highlights once again that the RART will support South Wales Police in their efforts to pursue, prosecute and deprive drug dealers of their assets.

The monies recovered in this case will be used to fund additional police activity; support community projects and provide additional funds to the Courts Service and CPS. The houses and accounts of this pair are controlled by the RART and with the assistance of the Courts Service Enforcement Team, we will ensure that the orders made by the Court are paid in full”.