A former soldier who built a multi-million pound cocaine dealing operation has been ordered to pay back a mere £1 by a judge, despite profiting by almost £4.7 million from his crimes.
Military man turned major drug dealer
Joseph Johnson, 37, first faced justice in April 2023 when he was sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting possession of cocaine with intent to supply. The court heard how cocaine worth thousands of pounds was seized from his bedsit in the Stoke-on-Trent area.
His criminal activities did not stop there. Johnson was back before Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in July last year, where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. This resulted in an additional three-year prison sentence, lengthening his total time behind bars.
The £1 confiscation order
At a recent Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, the stark reality of Johnson's finances was laid bare. Prosecutor Annabel Hale stated that Johnson's benefit from his criminality was certified at £4,722,194.90.
However, Judge Sally Hancox ruled that Johnson's available assets amounted to just £1. Consequently, she issued a confiscation order for that single pound. Judge Hancox warned Johnson that if his financial situation improves, prosecuting authorities could pursue him for a larger sum. "If you find yourself in a position financially that you are able to pay more than £1, the prosecuting authorities may instigate proceedings against you to take a large proportion," she said.
Consequences of non-payment
The order carries a strict penalty for default. Should Johnson fail to pay the £1, he will face a further seven days in prison. This hearing underscores a common outcome in confiscation proceedings: the court can only order the repayment of assets that are proven to be available at the time, not the full amount of criminal benefit.
The case highlights the challenges authorities face in clawing back vast sums generated by organised drug crime, even when successful convictions are secured.
