A man convicted of hiding a haul of unaccounted-for cash in a van has been ordered to pay back £60k.

In March 2022, Andrew Early pleaded guilty along with a co-accused to concealing £30,020 in the vehicle.

The 38-year-old received a community payback order for 12 months and was given a restriction of liberty order for nine months.

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He was also ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work.

The Crown Officer and Procurator Fiscal (COPFS) said the cash was found hidden behind the van's glove box inside polythene bags and wrapped in elastic bands.

It was discovered after cops searched the motor on the M8 motorway near Erskine in Renfrewshire in November 2015 - with a police dog helping sniff the money out.

Now, at a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court on Tuesday, June 18, Early - who is from Lugton in East Ayrshire - was made subject of a confiscation order for £60,022.

Meanwhile, his benefit from general criminal conduct was recorded to be £750,000.

The COPFS says confiscation proceedings were initiated following his conviction.

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Additionally, the Crown can apply to the court to increase the order if Early acquires any assets in the future to pay back the full amount he made from his crimes. 

Sineidin Corrins, Deputy Procurator Fiscal for Specialist Casework, said: “This order shows that the Crown will not stop at prosecution.  

“Even after a conviction, we will use legislation to ensure illegally gained funds are confiscated.  

 “These funds will be added to those already gathered from Proceeds of Crime and will be re-invested in Scottish communities through the CashBack for Communities programme.”