By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 12:43, Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Almost £2,000 has been confiscated from a woman convicted of drugs offences.

Emma Jane Bowman, 29, of Garden Street, Carlisle, had already been given a community order for possessing diazepam with intent to supply. She had also been found in possession of heroin and cannabis, for personal use.

Bowman, a known addict, had been due to appear before Carlisle Crown Court on Friday for a proceeds of crime hearing, but failed to show.

Judge Peter Hughes QC was told that despite repeated attempts, no one had been able to contact her.

The judge agreed to continue with the proceedings in her absence.

The court heard that Bowman had benefited from her crimes by £29,018.70, but had only £2,019 available to pay back. Of this, £1,780 is in the hands of Cumbria Police after being seized as part of the criminal investigation.

Bowman’s signature is needed to officially sign over the cash, but Judge Hughes was reluctant to allow the matter to continue to drag on. He decided to issue a forfeiture order for the cash held by police, and then applied a confiscation order.

Solicitors will continue to attempt to make contact with Bowman to sign over the remaining £239.

First published at 12:31, Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk