An electrician who was caught in a raid on a cannabis factory was today (Monday) ordered to hand over nearly £100,000 to settle a proceeds of crime action.
Ian Matthews was jailed for four years in 2019 for his role in the operation which involved hundreds of plants spread over 13 rooms in a converted office block in Paisley, Renfrewshire.
The Crown took action to seize crime profits from Matthews, 39, of Paisley, following his conviction for a drugs offence.
A hearing was scheduled for the High Court in Edinburgh later this week but lawyers acting for Matthews told a judge today that a settlement had been arrived at.
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Paul Nelson, counsel for Matthews, said that as a result of negotiations between the Crown and defence an agreement was reached.
Matthews will have to meet a confiscation order for £99,667 and was given six months to pay the sum to Paisley Sheriff Court.
He previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis in January 2018 following the finding of the plantation of the drug in premises at Glasgow Road, Paisley.
Police recovered 718 plants worth more than £430,000 following a search of the premises where the sophisticated growing operation was housed.
