A SUFFOLK scrapyard dealer could be faced with paying back more than �1million from his crimes after being jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Colin Adwent

A SUFFOLK scrapyard dealer could be faced with paying back more than �1million from his crimes after being jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Robert McGivern, of New Cheveley Road, Newmarket, was found guilty at Ipswich Crown Court of being involved in a money-laundering conspiracy and also handling stolen goods.

His 69-year-old mother Bernadette, her 77-year-old partner Noel Healy, and McGivern's father Harold, 67, all of Bridge End Road, Red Lodge, near Newmarket also pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy at a separate hearing.

The trio of pensioners will be sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on November 12 for conspiring to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property between March 24, 2003 and September 30, 2008.

Robert McGivern's money laundering conviction relates to the same dates. The 39-year-old's handling stolen goods' convictions relate to the period between January 1, 2003 and September 30, 2009.

He could now be pursued by the authorities for the money he made from his criminal enterprises. It is likely there will be a separate hearing to determine the benefit Robert McGivern made from his crimes and the assets he has which can be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Although the amount of benefit is yet to be determined, it is believed it is likely to be more than �1million.

His mother, father and Healy may also face seizures of cash from their criminal activities following their sentencing next month.

Robert McGivern was charged on September 30 last year after police raided his scrapyard in Red Lodge.

Officers swooped on the Ponderosa yard in Bridge End Road the previous day.

As a result of the raid, three cars, a van and an oil dowser were said to have been seized.

A court order prohibited Robert McGivern's sentencing, which took place last month, being publicised until after any trial of his co-defendants.

However, they have now pleaded guilty and will not face trial. Therefore the order has been lifted.