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Wishaw delivery driver made almost half a million pounds from illegal activities
Anthony Kelly, 38, made a total of £462,375 from his involvement in drug dealing in Lanarkshire between August 2018 and June 2020.
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A delivery driver serving time for organised crime offences made almost half a million pounds from illegal activities, a court has heard.
Anthony Kelly, 38, made a total of £462,375 from his involvement in drug dealing in Lanarkshire between August 2018 and June 2020.
However, the High Court in Edinburgh heard on Monday how Kelly, of Wishaw, only has £45,599.50 of the fortune available at this point in time.
The news emerged at the conclusion of a proceeds of crime hearing brought against Kelly by prosecutors.
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Crown lawyers brought the action after Kelly was given a seven and a half year sentence following his guilty plea last year for a charge of involvement in serious organised crime.
Article continues belowThe High Court in Glasgow heard how Kelly was detained during a Police Scotland initiative called Operation Aversion.
The court heard how detectives were able to link Kelly to the purchase of more than £400,000 of cocaine and cannabis.
He also gave “advice” to mob associates to avoid being caught for a raid on a man’s house which saw his home and car “wrecked”.
Kelly’s involvement in the gang was mainly uncovered via messages to other clan members on WhatsApp and the EncroChat phone network favoured by criminals before it was smashed by law authorities.
READ MORE:Lanarkshire woman sentenced for possessing and distributing material online relating to torture of monkeysIn 2018, Kelly – known as ‘Ants’ – discussed a news report about Police Scotland investigating 3282 individuals involved in organised crime.
He stated to an associate: “Hope they give us a bit of credit and not put us at the bottom of the list.”
Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel said the WhatsApp chats made “ongoing references” to the trafficking of cocaine, cannabis as well as ecstasy.
In late 2018, Kelly became panicked when a gang member was caught by police with a class A drug haul.
He described it as “a f***ing mess”.
READ MORE:Coatbridge clubber who attacked another man at closing time jailed for 21 monthsKelly’s home in Wishaw was initially raided months later.
Miss Dalziel said: “A number of items were recovered including a selection of expensive jewellery, electronic devices and also cash.”
However, no charges were brought at that time.
Kelly remained part of the gang and continued to contact associates via EncroChat in 2020.
Miss Dalziel continued: “There were messages...indicating significant quantities of drugs and money changing hands.”
READ MORE:Drugs worth almost £1 million recovered from address in ShottsThe total amount of cocaine purchased by or on behalf of Kelly was more than £400,000 with cannabis valued at £14,700.
The court also heard of a raid at the home of a man in Wishaw in May 2020.
Masked gang members had yelled they were “armed police” before bursting in.
Miss Dalziel added: “They gained entry through the front door, damaged property and threw petrol over the furniture.
“They damaged a motor vehicle outside using an axe.”
READ MORE:£250k break-in as East Kilbride homeowners walked dogThe hearing was told Kelly did not take part in the attack itself.
But, the prosecutor explained: “He knew about it in advance and gave advice afterwards to those involved to avoid detection for their part in it.”
One of the raiders told Kelly via EncroChat that they had “wrecked the entire house”, left the car a “write off” and that the man who lived there was “terrified”.
Kelly was arrested in October 2021, but initially made no comment.
Judge Andrew Miller jailed Kelly for seven and a half years at the High Court in Aberdeen.
READ MORE:Man dragged into Motherwell shop and beaten up in "revenge" attackPassing sentence, judge Miller said: “This is a very serious offence, particularly bearing in mind the damage which the supply of class A controlled drugs, and other criminal activities which are associated with the supply of controlled drugs, causes to individuals, families and communities.”
On Monday, judge Lord Renucci made an order that forces Kelly to hand over £45,599.50 after a short hearing.
The Crown can return to court to obtain more money if they identify more of Kelly’s ill gotten gains.
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