MAGISTRATES have approved a Cumbria police application to seize more than £8,000 from a Penrith man.

The application — considered by Carlisle’s Rickergate court — was made against Sean Askins, of Huntley Avenue, Penrith, and related to £8,643, which police believe was obtained through “unlawful conduct and was intended for use in unlawful conduct.”

The application was made under the 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act. According to court records, the cash was seized on August 10 last year.

Magistrates ruled that the money can be detained by police for a further six months. Askins did not attend the hearing.