GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police has secured the largest confiscation order in its history, after a five day Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing at Bristol Crown Court.

Five members of the Connors family, who were found guilty in December 2012 of forcing people to work for them, were deemed to have benefited by a total of over £5,000,000 from their crimes.

Based on the family’s realisable assets, mainly savings, land and property, they will now have to pay back a combined total of £2,272,435.26 within six months.

If any of the family fails to pay back what they owe they face the prospect of default prison sentences.

William Connors, 53, formerly of Gloucester Road in Staverton, could face six years in prison.

Brida Connors, 50, formerly of Gloucester Road in Staverton could face 20 months in prison.

John Connors, 31, formerly of Gloucester Road in Staverton could face three years and two months in prison.

James Connors, 22, formerly of Gloucester Road in Staverton could face nine months in prison.

Miles Connors, 25 and formerly of Bowling Back Lane in Bradford could face nine months in prison.

£576,514.20 will be taken by the authorities from the Connors’ bank accounts today while the victims of their crimes will also get a total of £149,824.90 as compensation.

The Connors assets were frozen on their original arrest and police have been working with other agencies since that time to identify all the Connors' assets.

POCA hearings aim to recoup money from the assets offenders have acquired from their criminal lifestyle - for instance property, cars and holidays. Police submit a list of assets, with estimated values, to the courts for the judge to decide how much the offender should pay back and the time frame in which they should do so.

The monies gained are then distributed throughout the criminal justice system and split between the Home Office, Crown Prosecution Service, Courts and Police. If the money is not returned, the offender could receive a jail sentence for failing to comply with the order.