A MAN who benefited to the tune of more than £50,000 through his involvement in a criminal conspiracy now has assets worth only a fraction of that, a court heard.

Mold Crown Court dealt with a Proceeds of Crime (POCA) proceedings against Addie Piggott, of Ruthin Road in Coedpoeth, on Tuesday morning.

The 30-year-old was one of several men sentenced in April for their parts in burglaries targeting Asian families in an attempt to get hold of gold and cash.

Over a number of weeks, seven burglaries took place at homes across Wrexham.

Properties were either accessed via unsecured windows or by forcing entry - before the interiors were "ransacked."

Thousands of pounds in cash were taken from several of the homes, in addition to large quantities of gold and jewellery.

The court heard not only were the items of high monetary value, but many were irreplaceable family heirlooms with incalculable sentimental value.

For his offence of conspiring to commit burglary, Piggott was jailed for four years and eight months.

Addie Piggott (NWP)Addie Piggott (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police) At his POCA hearing this week, Elen Owen, prosecuting, told the court Piggott's benefit figure (the monetary amount by which he benefited through his criminality) came to £52,265.

And in terms of the amount available for confiscation by the authorities, the value of his assets came to some £200.

Judge Nicola Jones confirmed the values, and made an order in those amounts.

A further POCA hearing is to take place later this month in respect of Piggott's co-defendants.