A FRAUDSTER involved in a multi-million-pound swindle centred on Rotherham has been ordered to pay back thousands of pounds to the public purse.

Matthew Wootton was sentenced to nine months in jail after pleading guilty in May 2009 to an offence of conspiracy to defraud, relating to a massive mortgage scam.

He was among seven people convicted following a complex, three-year investigation – dubbed Operation Cognac – by specialist detectives from South Yorkshire Police’s Money Laundering Team.

And around a year on, Wootton, aged 29, of Eskdale Road, Wingfield, was back at Sheffield Crown Court for confiscation proceedings, aimed at ensuring he did not benefit from his crime.

His Honour Judge Swanson ruled that Wootton had benefited to the tune of £168,400, but made a confiscation order for £49,793.51 – the total value of funds and assets owned by Wootton.

If he fails to pay up within six months, Wootton will have to serve a further 18 months in prison – and will still be faced with paying the money.

The Proceeds of Crime Act was introduced in 2002 to simplify confiscation legislation and ensure that crime does not pay.

Following the sentences last year, South Yorkshire Police officers have been working with colleagues from the North East Regional Asset Recovery Team to bring those convicted back before court in an effort to recoup any criminal debts.

South Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit manager, Graham Wragg, said: “We will use POCA legislation to ensure that no-one benefits from any of their criminality.

“To date, the assets we’ve found for Wootton have been reflected in the value of his confiscation order, but we will continue to search for further assets.

“The police will use any monies they recover in this way to benefit the communities affected by this criminal activity.”

Mr Wragg appealed for anyone with information about similar offences to come forward. “Why should people live off the proceeds of crime at our expense? With help from the public, South Yorkshire Police will aim to make sure this doesn’t happen.”

People can report any suspicions to South Yorkshire Police on: 0114 2202020 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555111. 

Hearings involving Wootton’s fellow fraudsters Scott Brunt and Michael Williams, both from the Rotherham area, are planned to take place later this year.

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