Jack Finch, 20, who fled police while driving dangerously with cocaine and cannabis, has been ordered to repay £18,303 after benefiting by more than £20,000 from his drug dealing operation. The case was heard at a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday.
Dangerous driving and drug seizure
Finch drew police attention in Barry on November 17 while speeding in a Peugeot 207, undertaking dangerous manoeuvres on the wrong side of the road and driving up a one-way street. He eventually surrendered to officers and tested positive for cannabis in a roadside drug test.
During a search of the car, officers seized four bags—including one by luxury brand Gucci—containing cocaine, £1,460 in cash, cannabis, empty bags, and scales. A metal baseball bat and a red iPhone were also found. It was later discovered Finch only held a provisional driving licence and was uninsured.
Home search reveals more evidence
A subsequent search of Finch's home in Laugharne Close, Barry, uncovered £9,980 in cash, empty bags, cannabis seeds, another iPhone, cannabis residue, and a McDonald's bag containing cannabis cakes. The total cash seized across both locations amounted to £11,445, and the drugs were valued at £1,170.
Examination of the red iPhone revealed Finch was supplying cocaine and cannabis to a "substantial customer base" from which he expected financial reward. Messages showed his name was stored as "Jack Weed" on some customers' phones.
Conviction and sentencing
Finch pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs, possession of criminal property, dangerous driving, failing to stop, and driving without a licence and insurance. He was sentenced to three years' detention in a young offenders' institute and disqualified from driving for 34 months at Cardiff Crown Court last year.
Proceeds of Crime Act hearing
At the POCA hearing on Friday, Judge Eugene Egan heard that Finch benefited by £20,833 from his offending but had available assets of only £18,303. The judge ordered him to pay that amount. According to South Wales Police, the case demonstrates how criminals can be stripped of their illicit gains even after serving prison time.
