Blackmail brothers forced to pay back more than £500k in ill-gotten gains
Three criminal brothers who denied financially benefitting from their crimes have been ordered to pay back £552,502.
The Lowther brothers - David, Luke and John - were behind a six-year terror campaign to extort money from local businesses, mainly in Derbyshire.
Between January 2010 and January 2016, the trio used verbal threats and physical violence to blackmail six people. The brothers stole a vehicle and tools, and damaged property for bargaining power and forced their victims to pay them ‘protection’ money to guard against further thefts.
David Lowther is currently serving a nine-year jail term after admitting conspiracy to commit blackmail, perverting the course of justice, intimidation and trying to conceal criminal money. The judge had said in April 2017 the 37-year-old "played a leading role and was the most active".
Forty-year-old John and Luke, 35, were both jailed for eight years after admitting blackmail and several other charges. All three brothers used to live in the Forest Fields, Aspley and Bulwell areas of Nottingham.
Alongside the criminal investigation the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Criminal Finances Team began dissecting the finances of the brothers, and looking into the purchase and sale of property and land.
A case was presented under the Proceeds of Crime Act stating that the brothers had benefitted by £685,311.31, but the brothers contested the amount, only accepting owing a fraction of the amount - £15,000 in total.
After a week-long hearing at Nottingham Crown Court, on Friday, May 10 the judge granted the proceeds of crime order, accepting that David benefitted from £248,869.41, Luke from £172,722.50 and John from £263,719.40.
The trio must now pay back the £552,502 within three months or face prison sentences of two-and-a-half years for David and John and two years for Luke.
Lynn Naylor, Criminal Finances Team, EMSOU, said: “The Lowther brothers bankrolled their lifestyles through intimidation tactics and physical violence, but today the victims were given their final piece of justice.
“The Lowther brothers used intimidation and violence to take money from their victims, following today’s orders, these victims will now be compensated.
“Our team of accredited Financial Investigators identify serious and organised offenders who have made significant ill-gotten gains from criminality and do all within their powers to remove the benefits of their crimes.”
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger Goes Digital Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger tickets can now be purchased through an app, making them more convenient for bus and train users. read more | |
| Young Person Travel Discount Scheme Extended For Another Three Months Derbyshire County Council's b_line 3 card, which offers discounts for those aged from 19 up to their 22nd birth read more | |
| Care Home Sale Update Plans are being revised for the future of eight Derbyshire care homes after a planned sale fell through. read more | |
| Derby Residents Urged To Have Their Say In Two Consultations Consultations have been launched into future options for two services delivered by Derbyshire County Council. read more | |
| Over 350 New Objections Add Momentum to Fight Against Major Green Belt Housing Estate The Save Kilburn and Horsley Green Belt (SKHGB) committee has handed in more than 350 new objec read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
