Two members of Black Country gang who stole thousands of pounds of goods and equipment will have to pay back one pound each

Driver Christopher Aston was told he was equally as culpable as the other eight members of the gang despite his solicitor describing him as a "hired hand".

Aston, originally from Hodder Grove, West Bromwich, who was jailed for three years in November 2024 for his part in the crime, was not present in court. In his absence the prosecution said he benefited in equal part from three of the thefts, and also took part in a fourth in which nothing was taken.

The three raids he was said to have taken part in included the theft of items from B&Q as well as trailers with a total value of items of £80,572.39; one of Stella Artois and pallets to the total of £23,212.80; and one of fluffy hot water bottles worth £34,059.02 as well as £40 worth of chocolate.

In total, he was said to benefit from the three to the tune of £44,619.80. His defence solicitor Michael Cadwallader said he was paid a flat fee of £1,000 a time to carry out his driving duties and didn't get any of the proceeds.

But Judge Michael Chambers, who originally sentenced the gang, said although Aston had not played a "leading part" in the conspiracy, he had played a "significant part" and it was not feasible that he would have carried out his duties for such a small fee with the risks he was taking.

With no known assets to speak of, Aston was ordered to pay a nominal fee of £1.

Two other members of the gang did appear - one had broken off from a holiday in Cornwall to attend.

Alan Edwards, originally from Tividale, was said to have benefited by £37,000 for his part in the crimes and was ordered to pay just £1.

But Gary Harvey of Wednesbury, who was originally given a three-year-and-nine-month sentence originally by Judge Chambers, had already had £4,800 of assets seized by the police and this was used as payment towards a total of £283,606 he was said to have benefited from.

No other compensation order was made.