A TILER who made almost £25,000 selling cannabis will only have to pay back less than a tenth of that sum under proceeds of crime rules.

Swindon Crown Court heard earlier this year that convicted drug dealer Rico Witter had got involved in the wholesale cannabis trade in order to buy tiling tools. The tradesman had struggled to get work after he was jailed in 2017 for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

The 24-year-old was spotted in Trowbridge last July handing a plastic bag stuffed with half a kilo of vacuum-packed herbal cannabis to drugs mule Brandon Wilson. The class B drugs had an estimated street value of £5,000.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court for the proceeds of crime hearing on Monday morning via video link, Witter, of Malwayn Close, Trowbridge, spoke only to confirm his name.

Prosecutor Edward Elton said police financial investigators found he had made £24,944.97 from his dealing. He had £1,820 from which he could recompensate the state for his crimes.

Judge Jason Taylor QC ordered the almost £2,000 sum was paid within three months. If he does not pay, Witter could be jailed for a month.

Witter was represented by Zara Walker.