A WARMINSTER drug dealer whose benefit from crime topped £131,500 will only have to pay back £12,845 - unless he comes into money.

Jack Pearce, 38, of Deverill Road, Sutton Veny, has already been let out of prison after serving half of a 58-month sentence.

It was imposed after he admitted four counts of possessing drugs with intent to supply and dangerous driving.

At Swindon Crown Court on Monday, he was told to hand over £12,845 that police seized from him when he was arrested within one month or face a month back in jail.

Judge Jason Taylor QC was told that Pearce stands to inherit some property that his father William owns, but fears it would be snapped up by the authorities.

He made a confiscation order for £131,551 under the Proceeds of Crime Act after hearing that Wiltshire Police had carried out a detailed examination of Pearce’s assets and drug dealing activity over many years.

This determined that he had benefited from crime to the tune of £131,551 - which he will now have to pay back to settle the outstanding debt if he inherits anything.

The court heard that Pearce has a long history of drug dealing.