A WOMAN who ran a brothel in Worcester has been forced to pay back more than £16,000 she earned through the crime.

Belinda Weston, aged 48, from Calf Heath, Wolverhampton, was convicted at Worcester Crown Court in March 2009 of keeping a brothel used for prostitution.

The 48-year-old was running the brothel in Malvern Road, St John’s, until police officers raided the property in 2008.

As well as a £500 fine and costs of £500, Weston was ordered to disclose her assets for confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

She was ordered to pay back £14,396.48 and just under £2,000 in interest to Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS).

West Mercia Police was informed this week Weston had now paid the money.

Chris Battin, financial investigator at the West Mercia Police Economic Crime Unit, said: “This represents a very satisfactory conclusion to the case as not only were the original offences detected and her activities stopped, but her criminal benefit was paid into the public purse.

“Because there were no direct victims who suffered losses as a result of her activities, the money paid back will be split between the Treasury, West Mercia Police, HMCS and the Crown Prosecution, which means it will be ploughed back into fighting crime in Worcestershire.”

Local Policing Officer for St John's and officer in the case for the initial investigation, PC Andy Hall, added: “This is a great result and sends a clear message to people that make money from crime that they may have to pay every penny back.

“Belinda Weston acted illegally in a nice, law-abiding community and such behaviour was not tolerated by the police or residents.

“I would like to thank residents for the support and information they offered in connection with this case and would ask anyone who has concerns about any kind of illegal activity in their community to contact police.”