Convicted drug dealer ordered to pay back more than £390,000

A convicted drug dealer who is serving a 14-year prison sentence has been ordered to pay more than £390,000 at a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) confiscation hearing at Northampton Crown Court.

In May 2022, police officers executed an arrest warrant at Ralph Gabbidon’s former home in Calder Close, Corby, after he had been named as a suspect in an investigation into a serious assault in the town.

The search of his flat uncovered an array of Class A and B drugs, more than £20,000 in cash, a shotgun with ammunition, an imitation black handgun and high value items such as designer clothing, trainers, and jewellery.

The then 49-year-old was arrested and subsequently charged with the possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin) and Class B drugs (amphetamine and cannabis), possession of criminal property (cash), possession of a firearm and possession of a modified starting pistol.

After being found guilty on December 23, 2022, following a trial at Northampton Crown Court, Gabbidon was sentenced to 14 years in prison and an investigation into the financial benefits of his crimes was begun.

Northamptonshire Police’s Financial Investigation Unit found that Gabbidon held significant balances - more than £100,000 – within several bank accounts and a POCA restraint order was obtained to protect these assets.

On October 25 this year, at a POCA hearing at Northampton Crown Court, presiding Recorder Christopher Donnellan KC found Gabbidon benefited from crime to the value of £390,696.32 and had assets available totalling £127,018.95.

A confiscation order was put in place for Gabbidon to pay the full £390,696.32 back and will remain in place until this has been done.