Drug gang must pay back £73k

MEMBERS of a drug gang caught during the hunt for police-killer Dale Cregan have been ordered to repay almost £73,000 earned illegally.

The eight members of the gang, including one from Oldham, were sentenced in April to more than 40 years in jail. They returned to Manchester Crown Court this week to face a confiscation hearing.

Gang member John Mallon (33), of Barmouth Walk, Oldham - currently serving six years and eight months for conspiracy to supply drugs - benefited by £55,374 and must repay £576.

His father, Vincent Mallon (60), of Woodvale Walk, Beswick, earned £48,853 and must repay £32,000. He was also ordered to forfeit more than £4,000 under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Anthony Quinn (32), of Kenley Walk, Collyhurst, earned £32,264 and was ordered to pay back £1,045

Lee Clarke (29), of Welbeck Street South, Ashton-under-Lyne, gained £64,464 and will repay £8,615.

Michael Connor (25), of Limebrook Close, Openshaw, received £27,869 but has no assets so has no order to fulfil.

Andrew Hulme (33), from Cornwall Road, Droylsden, took £33,399 and must repay £3,700, while Steven Ellis (36) of Duchess Green, Hyde, benefited by £55,052 and must repay £22,963.

Clarke, Ellis and John Mallon were all made subject of Serious Crime Prevention Orders: on release from prison they must not socialise without telling police. Use of their bank accounts, computers and cars will be monitored.

Raids by police after a five-month operation resulted in the recovery of cocaine and cannabis worth just under £100,000, £40,000 in cash and designer watches worth around £170,000.